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Good News for Hard Times, Week 2

2019-07-07
Scott Bullman

Key Verse: I Peter 1:6 NLT So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

During this series, we are talking about the reality of our suffering and the proper response we should have to that reality. The book of 1 Peter was written as a source of encouragements to embrace as you are going through suffering in your own life. Last week, we talked about the reality that we are not home yet! Our home is in Heaven which Christ has prepared for us all. Therefore, we can rejoice even in the midst of what we face daily in this world.

Today, we will look at I Peter 1:13-2:10 as we go deeper into the reality of our suffering and its impact on our faith.

Reality #2: Suffering can make you question your faith

I Peter 1:13-16 NLT So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

Suffering can lead to compromise.
Left unchecked, it could lead to giving up on God.

Response #2: Follow Christ’s example

Christ remained faithful in his mission on this earth even in the toughest of circumstances! God’s plan was for Jesus to be the ransom for many.

I Peter 1:17-21 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

John 3:17 NLT God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

I want to remind you of how many times the evil one tried to tempt our Lord Jesus TO QUIT HIS PLAN, to bypass the cross, and not go through with God’s redemption plan. But in all of this, Christ remained faithful to the will and call of God. Aren’t you glad He didn’t give up on us? It was through His steadfastness, His faithfulness, that we can all find the blessed hope of salvation.

Hebrews 12:2 [L]ooking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who FOR the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Here is an interesting observation, I want you to think about.

The word “for” is the little Greek word “anti” (pronounced “AHN-tee’ in Greek) – or in ENGLISH, we sometimes pronounce it, “anti” like “anti-christ” or “antiprogressive or anti = [whatever we are against].” Etc.

In ENGLISH, “anti” means “against.” BUT in Greek, “ahn-tee” most common definition is “instead of.” So, for example, we think of Satan as the “anti-Christ” or “AGAINST Christ”…and he IS! BUT, in Greek, the emphasis is really emphasizing that he is placing himself IN THE PLACE OF CHRIST (“instead of” Christ). Which is most certainly is trying to do (e.g. “I will be like the most high”). Well, in Hebrews 12:2, the little word “for” is the Greek word “ahn-tee” which probably is conveying the concept of “instead of.” NOW read it with that in mind
and reads like this:

[L]ooking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who INSTEAD OF the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Put this way, it sounds like there were multiple times that the ultimate joy (or the prize/result/reward) of going to the cross was set before him and was tempted to jump straight to the prize and bypass the pain & suffering of cross?! YES, that is exactly what happened multiple times in his earthly ministry:

1. During the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, Satan says, “just bow down to me and I’ll give you all the kingdoms of the world.” In other words, “just do this, and you can bypass the cross! Think about yourself, why suffer?”

2. During the night in Gethsemane, Jesus told Peter, “Don’t you know I have the power to call 12 legions of angels and get out of this moment right now?” But then Jesus adds, “But if I got out of this, how would I fulfill the mission my Father sent me to do?”

A legion consisted of six thousand soldiers. So the number Jesus used (twelve legions) was equivalent to an army of 72,000 angels. Because a single angel was capable of defeating an entire army (e.g., 2 Kgs. 19:35), Jesus had at his disposal an infinitely larger power than was needed to handle the mob. This was not the time for a fight. God’s perfect plan would be carried out this night.

3. While Jesus is hanging on the cross, the Roman soldier yelled up to Jesus, “if you’re the Son of God, save yourself! Come on down off that cross!” I believe that was one last ditch effort by the evil one to try to get Jesus to bypass the cross, and as a result, thwart the plan God had for all of mankind.

Remember, our response to suffering should be to Follow Christ’s Example! He remained faithful in his mission on this earth even in the toughest of circumstances!

Be Encouraged: God’s Word is faithful

I Peter 1:22-25 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

God’s Word is always True
God’s Word promises hope for eternity

Be Encouraged: Time in God’s Word makes us more like Him.

I Peter 2:1-3 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

What you crave will determine how you live
So, always crave the Word of God

Be Encouraged: Our suffering rivals God’s power

The unsaved world will always watch to see how you endure suffering. They will wonder
HOW are you making it through this tough time and still retain the joy which comes from
Christ. Just as HE was rejected and then exalted, we can endure suffering and come
out strong and show the world that God is real, that He is powerful, and He delivers and
sustains His own!

I Peter 2:4-10 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

You are light in the mist of darkness

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Good News for Hard Times, Week 1

2019-06-30

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: I Peter 1:6 NLT So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

For the next five weeks, we will be walking through the book of 1 Peter. This book was written by the Apostle Peter in about 62-64 A.D. to Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who were facing an ever-increasing wave of persecution and suffering as a result of their faith.

While this book is quite short compared to many of the other 65 books in the Bible, this book is packed with great truths on how to turn your trials into triumph. During our time together, we will focus on three different areas of wisdom given in this book. These include:

1) Realities about suffering we need to understand

2) Proper responses to those realities for the Christ follower

3) Encouragements to embrace as you are go through suffering in your own life

TODAY, we will look at I Peter 1:1-12.

Reality #1: We are not yet home

Even though your citizenship is in heaven, we are not yet there. Until then, believers will suffer because they are strangers in a foreign land. We live in a broken world caused by sin. As a result, we must recognize we will face hardships, trials, pain and suffering. But all along the way, we must remain focused on what is yet ahead.

Response #1: Rejoice in what lies ahead

When you focus on your promised future, you will be able to endure uncertainty today!

I Peter 1:1 NLT This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

Peter writes this letter with authority as an APOSTLE, which is a representative of Christ Himself. In fact, the Holman New Testament commentary defines APOSTLE in this way: “An apostle is “one who is sent out with a message.”1 Peter was given this message by God to encourage believers because he is fully aware of the suffering which existed for followers of Christ. Peter himself had been persecuted. He had been arrested and even faced the potential of execution. Therefore, this letter is one written to bring hope and light in the midst of certain darkness.

Like Peter, the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to focus on the assurance their citizenship is in heaven to endure the increasing uncertainty of today:

Philippians 1:27-30 NLT Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

NOTE: “This will be a sign…that you are going to be saved” (v.28) – Meaning, when people persecute you for your faith and you are suffering because of living life God’s way, it is yet another way you can be assured that you are saved. You can know this will not always be the case for you will soon be delivered from the presence of sin. The trials we face in this world are not all there is for us to look forward to, God has given us a great promise of a future gift which is Heaven.

Six Encouragements to Christ-Followers who are suffering:

1. Be encouraged: He will give you grace

I Peter 1:2 NLT God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

We have a hope which comes from God
He will give us everything we need to make it through in victory
Not only for today, but for eternity

2. Be encouraged: He has prepared a home

I Peter 1:3-5 NLT All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Our “great expectation” is what Jesus talked about in John 14
Nothing can destroy what God has prepared
Until then, we are safe

3. Be encouraged: This too shall pass

I Peter 1:6. NLT So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

Joy is promised even in the midst of our pain

4. Be encouraged: He will give you strength

I Peter 1:7 NLT These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

God uses our pain to increase our faith
Our faith is perfected through the suffering of this world

James 1:2-4 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5. Be encouraged: He will give you joy

I Peter 1:8-9 NLT You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

God uses our pain as a pathway to Joy
And, as a pathway to His promise

6. Be encouraged: This was God’s plan

God is in control and He has a perfect plan for you
He has you perfectly positioned in that plan
It was planned from the very beginning
So, don’t worry be happy

I Peter 1:10-12. NLT This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

Even Heaven rejoices over what God has in store for us all
The “Good News” makes all the difference
God Knows what’s ahead

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

The Call to Continue

2019-06-23
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Philippians 1:6 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.

Thomas Road Baptist Church was founded on June 21, 1956 with the idea of changing the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here we are, 63 years later, and that hasn’t changed nor will it ever change. What started in an small, abandoned brick building in a Lynchburg neighborhood has now touched the globe. And I firmly believe God still has much for us to do.

Philippians 1:1–11 (NKJV): Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 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; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

The Call to Continue

1. A personal message

Verse 1b … To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the Ébishops and Édeacons

While these words were written to a specific group of believers around 2000 years ago, they are words relevant to us today.
God’s Word is personal for us

2. We are in His prayers

Verses 2-4 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy

Christ is praying for us continually

Romans 8:34b (NKJV): It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us

In the very next verse…”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

Think of all God has done through these many years through the people and ministries of Thomas Road Baptist Church. There is no doubt those things would not have happened without the powerful hand of God upon us all

3. A great promise

Verses 5-6 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 was the verse my dad would often reference in his vision to keep moving forward for God. It was his life’s verse.

Verses 7-8 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

We are all in this together. There is no hierarchy in the church of Jesus Christ. He is the head, we are all his soldiers.

4. With a great challenge

Verses 9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness Éwhich are by Jesus Christ, Éto the glory and praise of God.

Four things Paul challenged them to continue in:

Love
Knowledge and understanding
Right living
To be more like Him

Verse 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel

Even in difficult times, God will use us to change the world

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

God’s Timing is Always Perfect!

2019-06-16
Ben Gutierrez

Memory Verse:
John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

“God’s Timing is Always Perfect!” Every person is tempted to doubt God when he/she does not understand what is happening or know how God is working in a given situation. This is a normal reaction and God understands, yet God always requires Christ-Followers to trust Him no matter what the circumstances. In this sermon, the congregation of Thomas Road Baptist Church studies John Chapter 11 in order to discover how God is always in control even when we may not understand what God is doing. Listen, learn, and be encouraged that “God’s Timing is Always Perfect!”

John 11:3
…Two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friendis very sick…”

John 11:4
But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death.”

John 11:5b
Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

John 11:3, 5-6
3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick…” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days.

John 11:14-15
14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there…

John 11:17
When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus hadalready been in his grave for four days.

Wondering “Why?” in the Waiting

“Is God Trustworthy?”

John 11:21
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

John 11:32
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

John 11:36-37
36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

John 11:35
Jesus wept.

Make Your Own Choice!

John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

Never Forget How God Has Proven Himself in the Past!

“If you believe, you will see the glory of God!” – Jesus

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Everybody Needs Encouragement

2019-06-09
Ben Gutierrez

Key Verse: II Corinthians 7:6a
“Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us…”

There’s something that every person needs regardless of their personality, job position, or where they live in the world. Everybody needs “encouragement.” Encouragement can come in many forms but when effectively delivered To a person in need, we reflect a very character of God. Second Corinthians 7:5-7 teaches us how even strong leaders need encouragement and how we can best encourage people in need. And in doing so, we reflect the very character of God.
If you are in need of encouragement today, please take time to listen to these beautiful truths found in Second Corinthians chapter 7!

II Corinthians 7:5-7
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

Everybody Experiences Hardships

II Corinthians 7:5
“For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.”

It is Gods Character to Encourage the Discouraged!

II Corinthians 7:6a
“Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us…”

God Delivers His Encouragement Through People!

II Corinthians 7:6
“Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

II Corinthians 7:7
“[A]nd not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.”

Give God’s Encouragement Today!

Receive God’s Encouragement Today!

Hebrews 10:23-25
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Discipline

2019-06-02

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

Hebrews 12:8 (NLT): If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NKJV) But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT) But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work

How does God discipline His children? Through His Word! He tells us clearly what we should do, what we shouldn’t do and how we can be successful at both. God’s Word is the “manual” for right living and gives us everything needed to see how God works in our lives.

1. Instruction

Vs 16a All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true
God uses discipline to teach us right from wrong
This is similar to what we as parents do when raising our children

2. Correction

Vs 16b and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives
- “reproof” – e’-len-khos(to convict, to show us what is in error)
- This is where God uses discipline to punish us for doing wrong
- God does use discipline to punish our wrongdoing, but this is not ultimate punishment, Christ has paid that price already
- Job 5:17 But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.

3. Protection

Vss 16c-17 It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Paul had thorn to keep him from pride
- 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (NLT) Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This is the idea that God uses discipline to keep us from harm
Every Christian needs this form of discipline because we will always struggle with our sinful nature

Prov. 29:19 (NLT) Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded

So, what does God use to discipline His children?

Pain? Yes
Suffering? Yes
Hardships? Yes
Sickness? Yes
Financial difficulty? Yes

Does He use all of these with all of us? No.

God knows what each individual needs to bring them into right living and fellowship with God. He knows what we need to teach us to be what we should be.

Are all instances of pain, suffering, hardship, sickness, financial difficulty a result of God’s discipline? No.

Some are results of the broken world in which we live. So how do we know the difference? Always go back to God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16.

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Discipline goes a long way

2019-05-26
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:4–13 (NLT): After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

1. Discipline is encouraging

Vss 5-6 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
This is an encouragement to remember the words of Proverbs 3:11-12
His act of correction and guidance in our lives is a sure sign of His great love for us all

2. Discipline is endearing

Vss 7-8 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
Discipline reminds us of our relationship with God our Father
This is a picture of the type of relationship we should have with God

3. Discipline is engaging

Vss 9-10 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
It brings us into a stronger relationship with our holy God, making us more like Him

• The word “holiness” (hagiotēs) is not common (elsewhere in the NT it occurs only in a variant reading in 2 Cor 1:12). It points to God’s holy character. The aim of God’s chastisement of his people is to produce in them a character like his own [1]

Holiness is the ultimate goal for our lives…to be more like Him
It defines how we respond to various temptations we face in the journey
This “shaping” should be desired not feared

4. Discipline is edifying

Vss 11-13 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
While discipline is not fun, the long term rewards are worth the journey
It strengthens us for the difficult world in which we live
It brings the kind of joy which can only result from a right relationship with God

[1] Morris, L. (1981). Hebrews. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation(Vol. 12, pp. 137–138). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

The Call to Continue

2019-06-23
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Philippians 1:6 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.

The Call to Continue

1. A personal message

Verse 1b … To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the Ébishops and Édeacons

While these words were written to a specific group of believers around 2000 years ago, they are words relevant to us today.
God’s Word is personal for us

2. We are in His prayers

Verses 2-4 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy

Christ is praying for us continually

Romans 8:34b (NKJV): It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us

In the very next verse…”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

Think of all God has done through these many years through the people and ministries of Thomas Road Baptist Church. There is no doubt those things would not have happened without the powerful hand of God upon us all

3. A great promise

This was the verse my dad would often reference in his vision to keep moving forward for God. It was his life’s verse.

We are all in this together. There is no hierarchy in the church of Jesus Christ. He is the head, we are all his soldiers.

4. With a great challenge

Four things Paul challenged them to continue in:

Love
Knowledge and understanding
Right living
To be more like Him

Verse 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel

Even in difficult times, God will use us to change the world

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Survive or Thrive, part 4

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV): Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

1. We have an example to follow
• Vs 1a Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
• Our Biblical examples encourage us
• Our contemporary examples can encourage us as well

2. In order to live in holiness
• Vs 1b let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
• Continual and uncontested sin will never allow us to experience God’s best
• To see life the way God intended requires the pursuit of holiness
• Holiness is only possible through embracing God’s Word

3. So we will not quit
• Vs 1c And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
• Thriving in life requires a commitment for the long run
• Partially committed to following Christ is actually no commitment at all

4. And it is only possible by fixing our eyes on Him
• Vss 2-3 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
• Jesus has paved the way for us to experience His best in every situation
• He is our advocate for every part of our journey

As the author of our faith…, Jesus inspires action in believers of all ages. As the perfecter of our faith,Jesus takes harassed believers, develops our faith, and brings us to heaven’s Promised Land (Phil. 1:6).Hebrews, James(Vol. 10, p. 219). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

July 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Survive or Thrive, part 3

2019-05-12
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

God wants us to live our lives in confidence of His presence and power. There is a great difference between confidence and arrogance. The world often confuses the two. But when we keep our eyes fixed on His Word and His way for us, we will see Him constantly at work in our lives.

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

1. Living close to the source

Vss 19-20 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
Living the kind of lives God intends requires us to spend more time connected to Him than connected to the world
Our personal walk with Christ is vital to a live “over the top”

2. Recognizing Jesus as our mediator

Vss 21-22a And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him…
We are not alone in the journey. Jesus is on our side!
Romans 8:34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

3. Free from guilt

Vs 22b For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Satan’s goal is to keep us paralyzed with guilt and fear
Jesus has paid the price in full for us to live “free and clear”

4. Trusting Him completely

Vs 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Thriving in life requires us to wake up each day knowing He is in control and will keep His Word

5. Encouraging one another

• Vss 24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

We must put into practice what He has promised
We must:
- Gather regularly
- Love unconditionally
- Serve willingly
- Share continually
- Pray powerfully

May 12, 2019/by TRBC Media

Survive or Thrive, part 2

2019-05-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 25:29 (NKJV) For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Last week, we looked at a passage in John 10 about the Good Shepherd, who is Jesus. We spoke of His great love for us, His care for us, His provision for us. And we landed with this verse…

John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

There is no question that God’s plan and desire for our lives is for us to live full lives. He wants us to experience His best every day. And the only thing that can keep us from getting there is us. So, for us to understand how to experience His best, we have to understand His plan, His will. And there is no doubt that His plan involves our action.

Matthew 25:24–29 (NLT) Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

1. Abundant life is found in service

Vss 25b-26a …so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant…

Clearly, Jesus wanted us to learn not using our abilities for His service results in not experiencing God’s plan of abundant life

Abundant life is found not in selfishness and self-centeredness, it is found in serving God and serving others

d. Jesus said even He did not come to be served but to serve

Matthew 20:26–28 (NLT): But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

2. Which results in blessing

Vss 28-29 Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

Here is the word “abundance” again…found in doing something for God not waiting to be served

When we do fail to serve God, we will not only miss out on abundant life we will even lose out on what we do have

God will always use our serving as a conduit to not only bless those we are serving but ultimately to bless us. This is a clear picture of God’s perfect plan of abundant life.

To truly go from just surviving to thriving in your life, you must recognize your purpose (to bring glory to God) and must find His will for your life (through seeking Him daily.) When you are diligent in these respects, you will begin to see that life is not about what you get, it’s not about what you earn, it’s not about what you have, it’s all about what you can give and with whom you take the journey.

Leo Buscaglia said “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”

Every Christian is entrusted with some responsibility for the kingdom. Some will take this seriously and invest their lives wisely, and others will squander this responsibility. The part of the kingdom entrusted to each of us is precious to the Lord. He is hurt by the mishandling of a lifetime of opportunity; but he rejoices over a lifetime well spent. He has placed in our hands what is his own. This is a sobering thought—to be stewards of kingdom resources.Matthew(Vol. 1, p. 420). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

^[1]Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew(Vol. 1, p. 420). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

May 5, 2019/by TRBC Media

Survive or Thrive

2019-04-28
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:1-10 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

The key to moving from surviving to thriving is understanding your purpose. The only way to understand your purpose is to know who you follow.

Thriving begins with security.

1. Protection

Vss 1-3a “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice;

Jesus was talking about the protective nature of the Good Shepherd (vs 11)
Jesus is giving the picture of Him gathering His “sheep” into the protective nature of the sheepfold

Thriving continues in truly knowing your source.

2. Intimacy

Vss 3b-5 …and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.

There is an intimacy the exists between the Shepherd and the sheep which creates a bond that cannot be broken
That intimacy is vital for a fulfilled life

Thriving grows from experiencing life as God intended.

3. Life-Giver

Vss 9-10 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Jesus was referring to the danger of following wrong ideas or teaching. This will always lead to disappointment and destruction.
But following Christ will always result in life to the fullest.

The shepherd did not drive his sheep; he led them. Christ has gone the way before us. He has journeyed through life’s thorn-grown wilderness. He knows life’s dangers and perils. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep “beside the still waters.” Otherwise a rushing current might sweep away the flock to destruction, or mask the sound of an approaching enemy. But he does not always lead us in pastures green or by waters still. Sometimes he leads us amid the tempests and down into the deep ravines of life. But there is reassurance in the presence of the Good Shepherd (Gariepy, p. 212).^[1]

^[1]Gangel, K. O. (2000). John(Vol. 4, pp. 195–196). Holman New Testament Commentary, Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

April 28, 2019/by TRBC Media

Easter Sunday

2019-04-21
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (NLT) Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.

• Paul didn’t deserve the grace of God, certainly not the appearing of Christ
• If Paul didn’t deserve this gift, I can guarantee you we don’t!
• For all of us today, our journeys are a lot like Paul’s

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (NLT) For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. 10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me

• Our lives are full of disobedience, not honoring God’s commands, but Jesus appeared anyway.
• The empty tomb is a reminder that Jesus appears, when we don’t deserve His presence

John 3:16-17 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

NOTHING TO FEAR

TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN

Philippians 1:21-24a (NLT) For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

Athanasius – And that devil that once maliciously exulted in death, now that its pains were loosed, remained the only one truly dead. And a proof of this is, that before men believe Christ, they see in death an object of terror, and play the coward before him. But when they are gone over to Christ’s faith and teaching, their contempt for death is so great that they even eagerly rush upon it, and become witnesses for the Resurrection the Saviour has accomplished against it.

April 21, 2019/by TRBC Media

Words Matter: Paid in Full

2019-04-14
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Today, we’re going to walk through all four Gospels as we examine the great gift that is Jesus. And, how His words through this day make all the difference.

1. Silenced

Mt 27:27–31 (NLT) Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

His silence had far greater impact in this moment than any words He could have spoken.
His silence indicated His desire to do whatever was necessary to bring redemption to us all.

2. Shunned

Mk 15:33–34 (NLT) At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 34 Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

In payment for our sins, God turned His back on His own son
How is this even possible?
Because God transferred the sins of man to the Son of God. Sin cannot exist in the presence of God so this represents the separation from God we all deserve.

3. Secure

Lk 23:40–43 (NLT) But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

As a man who deserved death hung next to Him, He extended grace and mercy.
Grace and mercy, when accepted, will always bring security.

4. Salvation

John 19:30 (NLT) It is finished!”

When Jesus breathed His last, the payment was made, our sins were forgiven.
The words Jesus spoke were not referring to His own life being finished, but rather referring to our condemnation.
Our sin debt was paid in full.

All of these moments lead us to a profound truth which is summed up in one word….LOVE!

So what should our response be to this kind of love?

April 14, 2019/by TRBC Media

Words Matter: The Will of God

2019-04-07
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Today, we’re going to look at just a few sentences that were spoken by Jesus in the moments leading to His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. These words, while simple, were some of the most painful words we see of Christ in the New Testament. But from them, we can learn much on how to deal with our own difficult journeys

Matthew 26:36-46 (NLT) Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

1. Asking God to remove us from our present pain is okay

vs 39b My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.

• Paul had present pain which he pleaded with God three times to remove (2 Cor 12:8)

• Throughout the Scriptures, we see multiple examples of Godly men and women asking God for deliverance from present pain.

• The key is our attitude.

2. Complaining is not

vs 39c Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.

• “Yet…” (Gk. – plēn) Nevertheless, regardless, but, “ONLY”

• Jesus taught us in this moment, we can seek God’s deliverance in whatever situation we might be facing, but ultimately we must accept…and even rejoice…in God’s Will.

• Paul asked for his thorn to be removed yet, it remained. Why? To keep Paul firmly in the will of God. (2 Cor 12:7)

2 Cor. 12:9b Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

• We must recognize that at times, God’s best is revealed through what we might consider our worst. But God’s plan is always better.

• So, how do we accomplish this?

3. To do the will of God requires dependence on God

Jesus – vs 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

Paul – 2 Cor. 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

You – ?

Trusting God in the worst of times is the best way of revealing the faithfulness of God

April 7, 2019/by TRBC Media

Words Matter: Isn’t It Amazing

2019-03-31
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:21-28 (NKJV) Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

1. The Word of God amazed

a. Vs 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

i. (NLT) The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

ii. Until that moment, those gathered in that synagogue had heard the same thing time and time again until Jesus arrived.

iii. His Words were radically different because they were words of hope, love, grace, promise, truth.

b. Vs 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

i. They knew His words had power they had never experienced. Why?

ii. Because they were from God Himself.

iii. They were hearing the Word of God from the Son of God.

iv. The result?

2. The Word of God changed

a. Vss 23-26 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

i. Even the “unclean spirits” recognized Jesus for who He is.

ii. When the Word of God is heard and believed, change happens.

iii. Same is true today. Although, many today “hear” the Word of God but don’t necessarily “believe” the Word of God. Then they wonder why they don’t see the change they need.

3. The Word of God traveled

a. Vs 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

i. (NLT) The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.

ii. They couldn’t help but to tell anyone and everyone. Why?

iii. Because this Word was different. It was life-changing and life-giving.

iv. It inspired hope not thought possible until that moment.

Our problem today is we have stopped being amazed at hearing the Word of God because we have become so distracted and deceived by the words of the world.

Our focus is less aimed UP and more aimed OUT!

How do we recapture the wonder and amazement of the Word of God?

1. Immerse yourself in the Word of God. (i.e. READ IT)

2. Trust the Words you read (i.e. BELIEVE IT)

3. Tell others about the things you read (i.e. TELL IT)

March 31, 2019/by TRBC Media

Words Matter: Two Questions

Words Matter: Two Questions
2019-03-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 21:11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11 (NKJV) Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5″Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Two Questions of us

1. Is He your King?

• Vs 5 ‘Behold, your King is coming to you • Have you truly bowed down to Him as King?

• Our salvation is the purpose of His coming Luke 19:10 (NLT For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

2. Are you living life as His subject?

• Vs 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them

When He is your King and you’re living life as His subject…action is the result

• Jesus could not have entered the city on Palm Sunday had it not been for the obedience of those sent to get the donkey (verse 4)

Zech. 9:9 (NLT) Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt. • We can’t expect Jesus to show up in our city until He sees the same obedience from us • Jesus won’t fan the flames of revival in our hearts until we fan the flames of obedience in our hearts

Two promises from Him

1. It will change this city

• Vs 10-11 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

• All of Jerusalem was “stirred” because Jesus had arrived “Moved” is Greek word “seio” (SAY-oh) which literally means stirred or shaken

• They had a desire to know who this was because He had captivated the city

2. It will change you

• Vss 12-14 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

• Jesus cleansed the temple because the people had made the temple about their own needs rather than about the desires of Christ

• There is a parallel that can be drawn to the church of today. Often, we have made today’s church all about meeting our needs rather than fulfilling the mission of Christ (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Acts 1)

• The church exists to “win people to Christ and grow them in Christ”

March 24, 2019/by TRBC Media

The Impact of a Godly Man

Special Speaker: Rick Rigsby

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NASB)

⁴“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ⁵You shall love the Lordyour God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

⁶“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

– Rare is the sight today of authentic manhood in our superficial culture

– Yet, God commands that we love Him so deeply that we model His love

– The Greatest Teacher ever modeled the love of God before His Disciples

– Men . . . (and women), Living a Godly life can impact generations!

March 17, 2019/by TRBC Media

Love In Action: Love and Lead Like a Man

2019-03-10
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Kings 2:1-4 (NLT) As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: 2 “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. 3 Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. 4 If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

1 Timothy 3:1-7 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

If God’s Word clearly tells us that leading our family is even more important than leading our church, how much more important is it that we exceed even the requirements of leading in the church.

1. Blameless

• vs 2a …must be blameless…

• This does not mean sinless, it means that the person deals with their sin in the right way. Confession after commission and turning away.

2. Pure

• vs 2b …the husband of one wife…
• 1 John 3:3 (NLT) And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

• A man of God cannot live his life running after the things of the world.

• 1 Cor. 6:18 (NLT) Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

3. Calm

• vs 2c … temperate, sober-minded…

• A temperate person is free from the influences of passion, lust, emotion, or personal gain• vs 3b … not violent…
• vs 3c … gentle, not quarrelsome…

• Slow to anger. 1 Cor. 13 description.

• Non-combatant

4. Respectable
• vs 2d …of good behavior…
• vs 3a … not given to wine…

• Paroinois (PYRO-nos) “lingering with the cup”
• vs 6 …not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

5. Honest

• vs 3d … not greedy for money…not covetous

• You can be a person who has money but no one who is captivated by money

• If you’re always running after money, it makes it difficult to run after God.

• Covetous – jealous – greed

6. Godly

• vs 7 … Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

• The testimony of godliness is one of the greatest personality traits that any man or woman could ever have

March 10, 2019/by TRBC Media

Love in Action

2019-03-03

Key Verses:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.

1. Be Ready

“Watch…” (vs 13a)
This statement is given Paul as a reminder to those in Corinth, and us, to be ever mindful of the sudden return of Christ
When we keep our eyes fixed on Christ’s return, it will keep our hearts fixed on the mission we’ve been given
- 1 Thess 5:6 – (NLT) So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded
When we keep our eyes fixed on Christ’s return, it will keep our hearts fixed on being more like Him
- 1 John 3:2-3 (NLT) Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. ³And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

2. Be Right

“…stand fast in the faith…” (vs13b)
Paul wanted to encourage the church at Corinth to stay committed to the doctrines of God’s Word, not the world’s idea of what’s right
- 4:1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord.
“False doctrines lead to loose morals, and Paul wants them to tie their conduct to their beliefs.^[1]”

^[1]Staton, K. (1987). First Corinthians: Unlocking the Scriptures for You(p. 266). Cincinnati, OH: Standard.

3. Be Tough

“…be brave, be strong…” (vs 13c)
Andrizomai(ahn-DRID-zo-my) – “to show one’s self a man”
Paul was literally calling them to “be a man” (KJV, NKJV, ESV, CSB)
In today’s culture, men are either viewed as bullies or babies but God wants us to be men shaped the Word of God
- 2 Sam. 10:12 Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.
- 1 Cor. 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
1 Timothy 3 gives us a great view of what a Godly man is supposed to be. While this passage gives us the prerequisites for leading in the church, it is also a great list of leading in life
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT) So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation….

4. Be Tender

“Let all that you do be done with love.” (vs 14)
When we have a genuine, Godly love for others; it will define how we will act and treat others
- 1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins^”

1 Kings 2:1-4 (NLT) As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: ²“I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. ³Observe the requirements of the Lordyour God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. ⁴If you do this, then the Lordwill keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

March 3, 2019/by TRBC Media

And The Greatest of These is Love, pt 2

2019-02-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: 1 Cor. 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1–12 (NLT): I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged (vs 5b)

• Does not demand its own way (does not seek its own – NKJV)

– 1 Cor. 10:24 (NLT) Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

– 1 Cor. 10:33 (NLT) I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

– Not irritable (is not provoked – NKJV)

– James 1:19-20 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

• Keeps no record of bring wronged
– Not holding on to old hurts to bring up when needed
– Forgiveness

2. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. (vs 6)

• Does not rejoice about injustice (does not rejoice in iniquity – NKJV)

– Finds no joy when a brother falls or fails
– “Sin destroys people’s lives, so to rejoice in their sin is to rejoice in their destruction.”
– To rejoce in the fall or destruction of another is the exact opposite of “loving your neighbor as yourself”

• …but rejoices whenever the truth wins out

– The Godly heart rejoices when a failure turns to victory

3. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (v 7)

• Love never gives up (bears all things – NKJV)

– Stego – to cover, to protect in silence, to preserve
– No allowance for gossip or attack

• Never loses faith (believes all things – NKJV)

– Looking for the best, believing the best in others

• Is always hopeful

– Wanting the best for others

• Endures through every circumstance

– Never quits on the other persion, perseveres through every situation

4. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (vs 13)

• Faith – we are kept by the powerful hand of God

• Hope – we have a blessed hope of what God has prepared for us

– John 14

• Love – there will never be an end to the love God has for us

LOVE NEVER FAILS

February 24, 2019/by TRBC Media

And The Greatest of These is Love

2019-02-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: 1 Cor. 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (NLT): I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Verses 1-3 You can have everything and have accomplished everything but if you missed out on the great commandment, you missed it all and it really doesn’t matter.

Verses 4-7 A picture of God’s love, not tempered by the world’s likes, dislikes and desires, is one of unconditional, absolute love. Let’s walk through this passage so we have a clear understanding of what God expects when Jesus spoke the words of Matthew 22.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

A picture of Christian love

1. Love is patient and kind (vs 4a)

• Patience requires discipline
• Patience does not allow for indifference or ignoring wrong
• Kindness changes outcomes, it is the pathway of dealing with others that honors Christ

2. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude (vs4b-vs5a)

• Your desires are focused on their best interests, not your own
• “Jealousy and envy begin when admiration and desire turn to resentment of others for what they have”
•Jealousy is the absolute opposite of the Christ we see in Phil. 2:3-8

– Phil. 2:3-8 (NLT) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

• Boastful, Proud and Rude are all connected in their outcome

– Boastful – (perpereuomai – to praise one’s self excessively) All about you…
– Proud – to be puffed up, to think you’re better than anyone else aschemoneo
– Rude – (aschemoneo – to behave dishonorably, without decorum)

3. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged (vs 5b)

• Does not demand its own way (does not seek its own – NKJV)
– 1 Cor. 10:24 (NLT) Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
– 1 Cor. 10:33 (NLT) I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

• Not irritable (is not provoked – NKJV)
– James 1:19-20 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

• Keeps no record of bring wronged
– Not holding on to old hurts to bring up when needed
– Forgiveness

February 16, 2019/by TRBC Media

Say Yes…Time To Follow, part 2

2019-02-10

Key Verse: John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Matthew 4:18-22 (NKJV) And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

Last week, we talked about our call from Jesus to 1) Go to Church and to 2) Grow in Church. Today, let’s keep looking at how Jesus wants us to follow and how He wants us to obey.

1. Give to the church

a. Matthew 23:23 (NLT) “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

b. What do we give?

• Money? Yes (…you should tithe, yes…)

• Our time, our abilities, our hearts? Yes (…but do not neglect…)

c. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NLT) Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

d. How much do we give?

• Generously (…the one who plants generously…)

• 2 Cor 8:10 says we should give in proportion to what we have, not what we don’t have (…don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure…)

2. Go from the church

a. Mark 10:42-45 (NLT) So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

b. How do we go? (…Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant…)

• In humility (vs 42)

• In contrast to the world (vs 43)

• With Jesus as our example (vs 45)

c. John 15:12-17 (NLT) This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

d. How do we measure our impact? (…produce lasting fruit…)

February 10, 2019/by TRBC Media

Say Yes…Time to Follow

2019-02-03

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

What does Jesus want us to do today in response to His call to “follow Him?”

1. Go to church

• 58% of Evangelical Christians attend church regularly
• Only 36% attend more than once a month
• 52% attend church seldom or never
• 69% 18-29 year olds attend either once a month, seldom or never
• The average “faithful” Christ follower attends church 1.26 to 2.3 times per month

Clearly, the Bible gives overwhelming arguments advocating for regular attendance and involvement in the local church.
Romans 12:5 tells “while we are many, we form one body”
1 Corinthians 12 challenges us that as one body, we have all a part to play and when we don’t show up, we are not only harming ourselves, we are harming the body

Luke 4:16 (NKJV) So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 2:41-47 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

2. Grow in church

• 19% of Christians read their Bible every day
• 48% of Christians pray every day
• 15% of Christians have fasted in the last year
• 91% of Christians have not memorized more than 3 Bible verses in the last year

Colossians 2:7 tells us to allow our “roots to grow down into Him build our lives on Him and we will grow strong in our faith”
Our spiritual growth is our responsibility and it won’t happen by accident or proxy

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

2 Peter 1:5-8 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

—————
1 www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/attendance-at-religious-services/ 2014 Data 2 www.statista.com/statistics/245491/church-attendance-of-americans/ 2017 Data 3 pushpay.com/blog/church-attendance/ 2017 Data 4 www.lifeway.com/en/articles/philip-nation-transformation-spiritual-disciplines-growth – Phillip Nation

February 3, 2019/by TRBC Media

Say Yes: First and Foremost…Love!

2019-01-27

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

First and foremost…Love!

Matthew 5:43–45 (NLT) “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:1-5 (NLT) Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

1. Accept others…no matter what

Matthew 5:43-44a (NLT) “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!

Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT) Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

2. Pray for other…always

Matthew 5:44b (NLT) …Pray for those who persecute you!

3. Focus on your own journey as a way to help others on theirs

Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT) “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

4. Forgive them

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

5. Tell them

Luke 8:37b-39 (NLT) So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. 38 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39 “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

January 27, 2019/by TRBC Media

Say Yes: What Must I Do As I Follow Christ?

SermonNotes

2019-01-20
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

To begin our discussion on what we must do to follow Christ, I thought a great place to start would be remind ourselves of a group of people who struggled to follow God during their long journey. Of course I’m talking about Israel as they wandered in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Moses led them through this journey and just before his death, he spoke to them to remind them of their covenant with God and the importance of saying yes to God during their lives.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (NKJV) “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

What must I do as I follow Christ?

James 1:22-25 (NLT) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

1. Know His Word

James 1:22a But don’t just listen to God’s word…

It is not enough that you take a casual approach to God’s Word, we must truly know it.

To know God’s Word requires three things…
• Read it

Joshua 1:8a Study this Book of Instruction continually…

Meditate – ha-GAH (to mutter)

• Think about it

Joshua 1:8b …Meditate on it day and night…

• Obey it

Joshua 1:8c … so you will be sure to obey everything written in it…

James 1:22b …You must do what it says.

2. Know His Way

James 1:22c-25 …Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Only from our constant seeking of Him and study of His Word will we find His way for our lives. This knowledge doesn’t show up on its own.

Joshua 1:8b-9 Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

3. Respond

John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Following Christ is our response to His gift of salvation. We are not saved because of what we do or how we live, it is grace through faith in Jesus Christ, period. BUT, following Christ is the proof of what He has done within us.

Matthew 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

January 20, 2019/by TRBC Media

The Bible by Jesus

SermonNotes

1/13/19

Elmer Towns

Jesus Describes Creation

“In the beginning I conceived the idea of heaven and the earth. Then I created them out of nothing. Before that nothing existed.”

“I created My abode—heaven—where one day My children will live with Me. I also created My throne and angels who sing, “Holy . . . Holy . . . Holy!”

“I with My Father and the Holy Spirit, We created the earth, a huge watery mud ball. I created a black-inky darkness that surrounded all things. God the Holy Spirit hovered over creation infusing all things with life-charged energy.”

“Let there be light, I said. Instantly light appeared and I saw that light was good. So I separated light from darkness and name the light day, and the darkness I called night. It was good.

Then evening ended the first day.

A. A BIBLE WITH JESUS

What if you could sit down with Jesus and let Him tell you His story how He was born, grew up, and how His life changed those around Him. Jesus would love to tell you about His death and resurrection.

His story will change your life forever.

My motivation for this book is for you to learn how much Jesus loves and cares about your right where you are. Learning from Him will make a lasting difference in your life.

From the beginning Jesus is called the Word. So Jesus with the Father, and Holy Spirit, inspired human authors to write His messages in the Bible. Inspiration means more than accuracy and content, it is God breathing His life into His Word. When you read, memorize and meditate, God’s life fills you . . . influences you . . . saves you . . . and will transform you.

B. THIRTEEN RESULTS

1. The Bible by Jesus is a first ever translation into the first person where Jesus talks to you as you read the Scriptures. “I am your Shepherd who takes care of your needs. I will lead you into green meadows of life, where you can rest by peaceful waters. I will restore your inner strength” (Ps. 23:1-2).

2. This new experience takes away spiritual blindness so you can see Jesus.

“No one asked who it was, for they all knew it was Me (Jesus). I served all of them breakfast” (John 21:12).

3. Listen, to learn from Jesus. Don’t just memorize the plan of salvation or read events in the Bible.

“The two . . . told their story . . . how they met Me” (Luke 24:35).

4. This Bible motivates you to follow Jesus.

“As I walked by the Sea of Galilee, I saw fishermen . . . come be My disciples. I’ll teach you how to catch people” (Mark 1:17).

5. Jesus explains the Scriptures to you.

“Then I began with Moses and taught My way through the prophets and explained to them all the passages in the Scriptures about Myself” (Luke 24:27).

6. Jesus gets you excited about Scripture.

“Did not our hearts burn as He talked to us on the road as He explained the Scriptures to us” (Luke 24:32).

7. Jesus moves you to dedicate your heart and body.

“Dedicate your body to My Father as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him. This is the first and best spiritual worship you can give. Let Me transform your thinking” (Rom. 12:1-2).

8 Jesus convicts you to see sin in your life and repent.

“I stooped to write with My finger on the ground. ‘He who has not committed this self-same sin, let him cast the first stone.’ And being convicted by their own conscience, the eldest leader left first, eventually all” (John 8:6-9).

9. Converts. “Search the Scriptures, these words testify of Me that I Am from the Father . . . you think you have eternal life, but you don’t” (John 5:39).

10. Jesus teaches you how to pray.

“Ask in prayer and I will give it to you. Seek for the things you need, for I supply those who seek. When a door is closed for the things you need, you will constantly knock, for I will open and allow you to find” (Matt. 7:7-8).

11. Jesus wants a relationship with you.

“Mary sat at My feet listening to the things I said. But Martha was busy . . . so she complained . . . ‘It is unfair for Mary to listen to You when I’m doing all the work.’ I told her, ‘Mary has found the right thing'” (Luke 10:39-42).

12. Seeing Jesus moves you to worship.

“John saw Me, the Lamb, standing next to My Father’s throne . . . I took the scroll out of My Father’s hand. The four winged angels bowed to Me followed by 24 saints who also bowed . . . they poured out worship, praise of all believers, of all times . . . John looked again and heard the voices of thousands, and millions of angels sang in the mighty chorus . . . Your blood purchased salvation of all people, of every language, from every tribe, and from every nation” (Rev. 5:6-7, 12).

13. Let Jesus transform you.

“Now the Holy Spirit is working . . . in your life . . . to understand My truth . . . now you with unveiled faces, look to Me to see My brightness reflected in the mirror of the Word of God. Then you will constantly be transformed into My image by the work of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:10).

“My Father loves everyone in the world so much that He gave Me, His only begotten Son to die for each of them. Now everyone who believes in Me will not perish, but have eternal life”

John 3:16

“Come to Me all who are tired and heavy burdened . . .”

Matthew 11:28

January 13, 2019/by TRBC Media

Letting Go, Moving On

SermonNotes

2019-01-06
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Phil. 3:7 (NLT) I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.

Phil 3:13 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

Letting Go, Moving On

How do we let go?

Gen. 50:14–21 (NLT) After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s burial. 15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. 16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. 19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

1. Recognize the pain and failures of the past are not the description of our future

a. Vs 15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.

b. Joseph’s brothers were fearful because they felt as if what they had done would follow them from that day forward

2. Take the right steps … seek forgiveness

a. Vs 16-17a So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin…”

For those on the other side…

3. Respond the right way … forgive

a. Vs 17b …When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept.

4. Know that the job of judge is not ours

a. Vs 19b …”Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?

5. Know that the job of peacemaker is ours

a. Vs 21b …So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

Keep your focus

1. Stay in God’s Word daily

2. Talk to Him daily

3. Keep a journal of what you’re learning, reading, praying

4. Read books, stories, articles about faithful followers of Christ

5. Connect with others in the journey to remain accountable

6. Prioritize your faith walk over EVERYTHING else

7. Don’t quit

January 6, 2019/by TRBC Media

The Final Word

SermonNotes

2018-12-30
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Philippians 3:12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

1. Nobody’s Perfect

a. Phil. 3:12a I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection.

b. Your spiritual journey doesn’t need to look like the Apostle Paul’s to be effective

c. Perfection is not the goal, obedience is!

2. Keep Trying

a. Vs 12b But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

b. Knowing that it’s a constant journey, we need to remain focused on what matters

c. Don’t be discouraged by sidetracks or train wrecks, keep moving

3. Let Go Of What’s Behind

a. Vs 13a No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past

b. We must let go of what slows us or stops us

c. Too many people are bound by the failures of the past which keeps us from the successes in the future

d. Recognize that no one is perfect, everyone has baggage, failures are a part of the journey, and we can ALL move past them

4. Look Forward To What’s Ahead

a. Vs 13b … and looking forward to what lies ahead,

b. What lies ahead?

Getting to know Him better
Spiritual maturity
Spiritual impact
Changed lives
Heaven

5. Do What’s Needed

a. Vs 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

b. Finishing well is the mark of a faithful follower

c. Dropping off along the way happens when we take our eyes off of the prize

d. Keep your focus on God’s will and plan for your life and you will win the race

Keep your focus

Stay in God’s Word daily
Talk to Him daily
Keep a journal of what you’re learning, reading, praying
Read books, stories, articles about faithful followers of Christ
Connect with others in the journey to remain accountable
Prioritize your faith walk over EVERYTHING else
Don’t quit

December 30, 2018/by TRBC Media

For Unto You…A Savior

SermonNotes

2018-12-23
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We’ve spent a lot of time in the Old Testament over the past few weeks looking forward to the birth of Christ. Last week, we spent some time in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 as well as the OT. Today, we’re going to spend our time in a passage that is often missed at this time of year but it encompasses the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke 1:67-79 (NLT) Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: 68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of His servant David, 70 just as He promised through His holy prophets long ago. 71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. 72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering His sacred covenant— 73 the covenant He swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. 74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. 76 “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 77 You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 78 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

1. God Visited

a. Vs 68a Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited…

b. Visited – “episkeptomai” = “to look after, to examine with the eyes, in order to help of benefit”

c. After 400 years of virtual silence of prophetic promises, God acts

d. God is always present, active, and involved in our daily lives

2. God Redeemed

a. Vs 68b …and redeemed His people

b. Redeemed – “lytrosis” = “a ransoming, deliverance from the penalty of sin”

c. God has always provided a way of redemption

3. Just as He promised

a. Vs 69-70 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of His servant David, 70 just as He promised through His holy prophets long ago.

b. Vs 71-73 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. 72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering His sacred covenant— 73 the covenant He swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.

c. In multiple OT prophecies, it is promised that through the line of David a Savior would come

d. We are the beneficiaries of God’s promise to Abraham

4. So We Can Serve

a. Vs 74-75 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

b. A response is warranted to God’s act

5. So We Can Share

a. VS 76-77 And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 77 You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.

b. Prepare – “hetoimazo” = “to make ready, prepare the path”

c. Just as John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, we too should “prepare the way” for His coming

6. For The World To Have Hope

a. Vs 78-79 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.

b. Matthew 1:21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

December 23, 2018/by TRBC Media

For Unto You…Messiah

SermonNotes

2018-12-16
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2 Samuel 7:12-13 When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever
Jeremiah 22:24-30 As I live,” says the Lord, “though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you off; 25 and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear—the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 So I will cast you out, and your mother who bore you, into another country where you were not born; and there you shall die. 27 But to the land to which they desire to return, there they shall not return. 28 “Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol—A vessel in which is no pleasure? Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, And cast into a land which they do not know? 29 O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the Lord! 30 Thus says the Lord: ‘Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.’

When we read the genealogy of Christ, recorded in two places in Scripture, we find what could be contradictions in God’s Word. It’s important to know that these supposed contradictions do not exist at all and that Jesus is the Messiah, sent to take away the sins of the world. Jesus was and is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming messiah.

We also see the interesting line of characters that make up Jesus’ family tree. A great encouragement to all of us.

1. Messiah Will Be In The line of David

a. 2 Samuel 7:13b …and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

b. Psalm 89 and other passages promise that from the line of David the messiah will come

c. Matthew 1:6 – the line of David (through Solomon)

d. Luke 3:31-32 – the line of David (through Nathan)

e. Fulfills the OT prophecies of the coming Messiah

2. Messiah Will Not Be In The Line of Jehoiachin

a. Jeremiah 22:30 Thus says the Lord: ‘Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.

b. Luke 3:31-32a the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse…

c. Luke gives us the genealogy that leads to Jesus but through Mary’s line

d. Therefore, Jesus fulfills the prophecy through the line of Joseph AND He fulfills the prophecy that He will not be through the line of Jehoiachin

e. Fulfills the OT prophecy that the coming messiah will not come through Jehoiachin

3. Messiah Will Be In The Line of the Good

a. Matthew 1 gives us the story of 28 generations through about 1800 years

b. Luke 3 gives us the story all the way back to Adam (beginning of time)

c. Jesus came through the line of some of the great stories of the Bible

4. Messiah Will Be In The Line of the Bad

a. Abraham lied (Genesis 12 & 20)

b. Isaac lied (Genesis 26)

c. Jacob lied and cheated (Genesis 27)

d. Judah helped sell his brother as a slave (Genesis 37)

e. Rahab was a prostitute (Joshua 2)

f. Ruth was a gentile (Book of Ruth)

g. David was a murderer and an adulterer (2 Samuel 11 & 12)

h. Bathsheba cheated on her husband (2 Samuel 11)

i. Solomon allowed the worship of false gods (1 Kings 11)

j. Rehoboam walked away from his father’s generation and legacy and split Israel in two (1 Kings 12)

k. Multiple kings listed were evil (i.e. Manassah, Jehoiachin)

5. Messiah Can Use Anyone At Anytime To Change the World

a. Are you allowing Him to use you?

December 16, 2018/by TRBC Media

For Unto You…Righteousness

SermonNotes

2018-12-09
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week, we spoke of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah, Jesus. We focused on what the OT stated about what Christ would come to be…

1. The Coming Enemy of Satan
2. The Coming Blessing
3. The Coming Ruler
4. The Coming Presence
5. The Coming Hope

Today, I’d like to talk about how His coming should elicit a response from us in how we live…a call to righteousness.

Jeremiah 23:5-6 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1. A Call to Righteousness

• “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

• Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

• Righteousness is not possible on our own, only through Him

• Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (God With Us!)

• To think that we live in the presence of God every day should lead us to live differently because of that presence.

2. A Call to a Higher Standard

• Colossians 3:5a (NLT) So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.

• The verse doesn’t say, “let those things die…” It says “put them to death” • This indicates a proactive stance on moving away from the things of this world

• Colossians 3:17 (NLT) And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

3. A Call to Point The Way

• Malachi 3:1-2 (NLT) Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.

• The first part of this verse is a clear statement pointing to John the Baptist who would come some 400 years later.
• Then, the Messiah will come.
• This prophecy that finishes out the Old Testament points to the ultimate hope and life we find in Jesus.
• As a result, like John, we have a mandate to point people to Him.

December 9, 2018/by TRBC Media

For Unto You…A Son Is Given

SermonNotes

2018-12-02
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Over the next few weeks we will obviously be talking about the greatest gift ever given to mankind, the gift of Jesus. The very idea that God could love us all so much that He sent His Son just for us, to allow us to be redeemed through His sacrifice, is a gift we never could have even imagined. Yet, God from the beginning of time, had a plan. Today, I’d like to spend some time not in the New Testament, but in the Old Testament seeing God’s plan being foretold. Within the pages of the Old Testament, around 300 prophecies are given about Jesus that He, and He alone, fulfilled.

1. The Coming Enemy of Satan

Genesis 3:15a 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”
The rest of this verse refers to Christ’s death on the cross but His ultimate victory over Satan
This is a clear picture of God’s redemptive plan revealed immediately following the introduction of sin into His creation

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.

2. The Coming Blessing

Genesis 22:18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

– Abraham promised by God that all would be blessed through his seed

– Jesus was the fulfillment of this promise

3. The Coming Ruler

Numbers 24:17a I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,

– The prophecy of Balaam telling of the coming Messiah

– Jesus is that Star, that Scepter

– vs 24:17b “And batter the brow of Moab,And destroy all the sons of tumult.”

– Jesus came to rule over all

4. The Coming Presence

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

Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

– God with us is the ultimate promise of His presence in our lives

5. The Coming Hope

Isaiah 11:1-5 (NLT) Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. 5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.

We may have trouble in our world now, but Jesus is our hope
He came to deliver, to protect, to judge and to forgive

The story of Christmas is one in which God provided a way for all of mankind to be redeemed, going all the way back to the Garden of Eden. His gift is the gift of love, the promise of forgiveness, the hope of restoration, and the future of Heaven. The only question that remains is this…will you believe?

December 2, 2018/by TRBC Media

Being Thankful Is Not Enough

SermonNotes

2018-11-25

Key Verse: John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

We spend a great deal of time talking about being thankful for so many things in life, but there is one thing we have for which being thankful is not enough. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today, we have observed the Lord’s Table (Communion), a time where we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us all. I’d like to take some time today, on this Thanksgiving weekend, to truly reflect on that gift. It’s good to remember the significance of that sacrifice that changes everything.

Being thankful is not enough when you consider…

1. God’s love

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Rom. 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

It’s overwhelming to think that God could love ALL OF US that much, but He did …and He does!

2. God’s power

Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

The key in this verse is, “by the grace of God”
That grace is what allows us salvation through the atoning work of Christ
God showed us kindness (grace) by extending His power to cover us all

3. God’s healing

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Christ had to be “lifted up” in order to pay for our sins
The great healing that is found here is that “whoever” looks on the Son of Man, lifted up, will be healed forever

Num. 21:6-9 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Ex. 12:13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

4. God’s gift

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Jesus was the sacrificial lamb that was offered once and for all for us all
That sacrifice takes away anything that can keep us from Him

1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

November 25, 2018/by TRBC Media

Multiplied Blessings

SermonNotes

2018-11-18
Scott Bullman

KEY VERSE: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18 – NLT)

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday…it is a lifestyle. We’ve heard it said that “God’s gift to you is your life, but what you do with it is your gift to Him.” Giving thanks is not a response to circumstances or possessions…it is a posture of worship.

Psalm 50:23 (NLT) – “Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”

A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving requires…

1. AWARENESS

Psalm 31:19 (NIV) – “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you.”

Psalm 103:2 (NLT) – “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens

2. ATTITUDE

¬ CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

3 Enemies of Contentment:

1. Complaining

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message) “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”

2. Comparing

2 Corinithians 10:12 (NLT) – “Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!”

3. Coveting

Ecclesiates 6:9 (NLT) – “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.

¬ GRATITUDE

Lamentations 3:24 (NASB) – “The Lord is my portion…therefore I have hope in Him.”

– Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

3. ACTION

¬ Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT) – “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

– All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors. – John Calvin

¬ Serving

1 Peter 4:10 – NLT – “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

1 Peter 4:10 (THE MESSAGE): “Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.”

¬ Telling

Psalm 107:1-2 (NIV) – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.”

“Oh give thanks to the Lord! Call upon his name; make known his deeds among the people!” – 1 Chronicles 16:8

¬ Worship

Psalm 100 (NIV) – “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

November 18, 2018/by TRBC Media

Giving, Gaining and Greed

SermonNotes

2018-11-11
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse:
Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

We are embarking on the season of giving, although many today see it as the season of getting. There are many who are so consumed by their “wants” that they have no concept of giving and helping others. All of society is motivated towards “getting more” with only a passing nod at helping others. Not only is this not healthy emotionally, it is not Biblical. Today, let’s talk about giving, gaining and greed.

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

1. Having never leads to contentment

Jeremiah 22:13-15a (NLT) And the Lord says, “What sorrow awaits Jehoiakim, who builds his palace with forced labor. He builds injustice into its walls, for he makes his neighbors work for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor. 14 He says, ‘I will build a magnificent palace with huge rooms and many windows. I will panel it throughout with fragrant cedar and paint it a lovely red.’ 15 But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king…

– The world is consumed by consuming, they want more and more of everything – It seems the more we get, the more we want, the more we are dissatisfied – Having things is not wrong or evil, only when we hold too tightly to what we have do we lose sight of the real owner of those things – We are not defined by what we have, we are defined by who we are, whose we are, and what we give. Why?

2. Giving is what brings joy

Jer. 22:15b-16a Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. 16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him…

– An interesting note in these verses is that Josiah had “plenty,” yet was focused not on getting all for himself, but on giving and providing for others – He found great contentment and joy in giving – “everything went well for him” – This one statement is worth being a giver…

3. Giving is what brings you closer to Christ

Jer. 22:16b Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.

– Not only did he find joy in giving, he found God in giving! – When we give, we have a new sense of who God is…

4. Giving is what makes you more like Christ

2 Cor 8:9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

– When we give, for the right reason, we are more like Christ than in any other situation – He gave His all for those who did not have, did not deserve, and could not get, because He loved

5. Giving is what leads to reward

Luke 14:12-14 Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

– Giving allows us to experience not only great reward in the moment, but eternal rewards in Heaven – Our rewards should not be our motivation in giving, rather they should simply be a reminder of how we can trust God in everything

– Jer. 22:15b-16a Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. 16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him…

2 Cor 8:11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

November 11, 2018/by TRBC Media

Masquerade: A Final Word

SermonNotes

2018-11-04
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Today, we conclude our series entitled Masquerade. During this series, we have taken a deep dive into the things we do, either intentionally or subconsciously, to hide reality and to be what we are not. We’ve dealt with issues like forgiveness, past pains, pride, social media, addictions, religion over relationship and many others. In this sermon, we will see that victory is assured in Christ alone.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

1. A Final Word (vs 10)

Greek word – “loipos” – the rest of the whole

2. Be Strong – (vs 10b)

6:10b…Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
It is not possible to be strong on your own, it takes HIM!
Taking off the masks we are so likely wearing can only be done with the help and presence of Christ
- Our masks exist because of our feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, pride, past pain
- They exist because we are valuing our lives based not on God’s view of our lives but on man’s

3. We Have What We Need

6:11-13a Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹²For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil…
God has equipped us with everything needed to win the battle
Only thing keeping us from winning is us

4. Stand Your Ground

6:13b-14a Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴Stand your ground…

5. Truth Matters (vs 14b)

6:14b …putting on the belt of truth…
Greek word – “perizonnymi”– to gird yourself
Greek word – “aletheia”– something that actually happened
A false view of our lives or a low self esteem that leads us to wear the mask is what keeps us from the full protection of the armor of God

6. The Truth of the Truth

Truth never changes
- Proverbs 12:19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
Truth frees us
- John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Truth is found only in Him
- John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me

7. The End Game – (vss 19-20)

6:19-20 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ²⁰I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

November 4, 2018/by TRBC Media

Masquerade: Be Real

SermonNotes

2018-10-28
Ben Gutierrez

Key Verse:
Matthew 23:12
But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

The Dangers of Wearing The Mask of Religion

When we put on masks, we deprive ourselves of experiencing God’s best for our lives. God wants us to “Be Real” so that everyone will see how God can take normal human beings and do supernatural things in their lives. God wants us to be transparent and sincere as we live our Christian lives. The more we are transparent and sincere with others about our own lives and our walk with the Lord the more God can use our humility to bring Him more glory. This message from God’s Word encourages the believer to take off the Mask of Religion and to put on humility, transparency, and sincerity and “Be Real” as we share the Gospel to a lost & dying world!

1. It Has No Spiritual Benefit.
2. It Repels People.
3. It is Not Believable.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 NLT
Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.

James 3:2 NLT
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

I John 1:8-9 NLT
8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Matthew 23:1-6, 11-12 NLT
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra-long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues… 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Mark 5:1-15 NLT
1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. 6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” 9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. 11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby.12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.” 13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened.15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.

Mark 5:18-19 NLT
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your friends, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”

Mark 5:20 NLT
So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

Mark 7:31-33a NLT
31 Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. 32 A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. 33 Jesus led him away from the CROWDS…

October 28, 2018/by TRBC Media

Masquerade: Breaking Free

ScriptureTime

2018-10-21
Dr. Tim Clinton

Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

There are many paths to brokenness and addiction in life. That’s because the pace and pain of modern day life can become overwhelming and confusing. Even good people can find themselves in a spin with God and life when things are not the way they are supposed to be. Dr. Clinton shares a perspective on how easy it is to get into a chaotic downward spiral that can ultimately lead to addiction and despair but more importantly how to break free and recover the heart.

2 Cor. 11:1-3 ESV

“I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Losing Heart 

• Attacked

• Angry / Anxious

• Aloneness

• Alienated / Arrogant

• Adulteries of the Heart

• Addiction

• Accuser whispers lies…

Recovery of the Heart 

• Affection of God

• Assessment

• Awareness

• Attachment

• Action

• Accountability

• Alive Again

• Accuser defeated

October 21, 2018/by TRBC Mobile Team

Masquerade: Our Digital Masks

SermonNotes

2018-10-14
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5-8 (NLT) 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

Our Digital Masks

Are living in the Spirit or in the Flesh?

James 4:1-8 (NLT) What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world

1. Rage and Anger – Hiding behind our digital masks allows us to act as we never would face to face

Vs 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?

Galatians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church

2. Jealousy – Envy leads us to attack, denigrate, and criticize others

Vs 2a You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.

Vs 2b-3 Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

James 3:16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

3. Desire for Acceptance – Our lack of self acceptance leads to a false “us”

Vs 4-5 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.

4. Pride – Digital masks permit us to put pride on parade

Vs 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 11:2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 16:5 The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.

5. Our Response

Vs 7-8 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

– Social media is not evil but can be used for evil

– Think about the words you share BEFORE you post

– Recognize that God created us IN HIS OWN IMAGE, you don’t need to try to be anybody else but YOU!

– Know that every word you speak, share or post can either help you accomplish God’s will for your life or keep you from it

People’s decisions about how they intend to live determines how they think about things. Moral choice precedes and determines intellectual orientation. People do not think themselves into the way they act but act themselves into the way they think.

1 Mounce, R. H. (1995). Romans (Vol. 27, p. 177). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

October 14, 2018/by TRBC Media

Masquerade: Building Real Relationships

SermonNotes

2018-10-07
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Colossians 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection

Colossians 3:12-17 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

We are continuing in our series, Masquerade, with a discussion today on the masks we wear in our relationships. This is not specifically a sermon on marriage relationships, while this could certainly be relevant within some marriages. It is a discussion on all relationships such as our families, our work relationships, friendships and more. Today, let’s allow the Bible to give us a clear definition of healthy relationships. But before we talk about what’s healthy, we must recognize and identify what is unhealthy.

How we wear masks in our relationships that create toxic and unhealthy futures?

A. False presentation and unrealistic expectations

– making people believe what is not true

– expecting from others what is impossible

B. Self-serving motives

– your desire in every relationship is to see what you can get out of it

C. Secretly holding on to past hurts instead of forgiveness

– acting as if we’re okay while continuing to harbor pain and anger

D. Treating your relationship in a defensive manner

– expecting the worst in every situation and every person

E. Hiding what’s truly going on

– basic deception in life

Building Real Relationships

1. Approach every relationship with holiness

vs 12a Since God chose you to be the holy people…

– we have been “set apart” by God

– this consecration is what allows us to have the Godly relationships we desire

Vs 12b …He loves…

– it is possible because of how He has shown us love

2. Approach every relationship with the right motives

Vs 12c you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

– this is a six point outline for healthy relationships

– if we would simply put these elements into practice daily, it would change everything

3. Approach every relationship putting others first

Vs 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

– forgiveness is a picture of recognizing the value in others

4. Approach every relationship as an opportunity

Vs 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

– every relationship is an opportunity impact others in a positive way

5. Approach every relationship with Him at the center

Vs 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father

– this is probably the most critical element of this entire discussion

– if we treat others incorrectly, we are not only giving ourselves a bad reputation, we are

reflecting poorly on Christ Himself

October 7, 2018/by TRBC Media

Masquerade: The Art of Covering

SermonNotes

2018-09-30
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 10:26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

For the next several weeks, we are going to talk about an issue that all of us struggle with to varying degrees throughout our lives. Some struggle continually and never find success in defeating this dangerous condition. What we are talking about today is the art of covering. In other words, masking who we really are to try to be who we really aren’t. This takes on many forms and paths and over the next few weeks, we will talk about a number of different ways we stay behind the masks of life in order to hide what is really going on inside. But today, we’re going to simply set the stage for our discussions over the next few weeks.

Genesis 27:1-29 (NLT) One day when Isaac was old and turning blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and said, “My son.” “Yes, Father?” Esau replied. 2 “I am an old man now,” Isaac said, “and I don’t know when I may die. 3 Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat. Then I will pronounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn son, before I die.” 5 But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, 6 she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau, 7 ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. 9 Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. 10 Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.” 11 “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. 12 What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.” 13 But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!” 14 So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it. 15 Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16 She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. 17 Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. 18 So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?” 19 Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.” 20 Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” 22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. 23 But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. 24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied. 25 Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. 26 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.” 27 So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the Lord has blessed! 28 “From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. 29 May many nations become your servants, and may they bow down to you. May you be the master over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. All who curse you will be cursed, and all who bless you will be blessed.”

1. Putting on our masks starts with deceit

vss 5-10 But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, 6 she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau, 7 ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. 9 Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. 10 Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.”

– This entire situation began with a desire to deceive

– The same could be said of our own attempts to mask reality, it all begins with a desire to deceive, for many different reasons:

a. Fear

b. Embarrassment

c. Greed

2. Putting on our masks starts with feelings of inadequacies

vss 11-12 “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. 12 What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”

– The idea that we are just not good enough leads us to hide behind man-made masks

3. Once we put on the mask, it starts a never ending cycle

Vss 18-24 So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?” 19 Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.” 20 Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” 22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. 23 But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. 24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied.

– Leading to more deceit, more pain, more broken relationships

4. Our masks will all be removed

– No matter how hard we try to conceal, every mask will be removed

– Our goal should be to remove it ourselves before it is removed another way

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

Matthew 10:26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.

September 30, 2018/by TRBC Media

HOW Church? Confidence for the Mission

SermonNotes

2018-09-23

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Last week, Matt encouraged you to START living a life on mission. He encouraged us to take active steps moving forward in fulfilling the Great Commission which Christ gave. However, I know that often times, the greatest hindrance to carrying out this mission is what is inside our heads. We are our own worst enemy in doing what Christ has called us to do. Today, I want to encourage you…YOU CAN DO IT! Most people don’t do the work of the Great Commission because they believe someone else can do it better, because they’re distracted, because they believe they’re too busy. These are all excuses that have no basis in fact.

TRBC Mission Statement: To change our world by developing Christ followers who love God and love people.

TRBC Values:

1. Committed to Scripture

2. Culture of prayer

3. Lifestyle of worship

4. Connected in community

5. Heart for serving

6. Passion for sharing

TRBC Actions:

1. Tell (Matthew 28:19 Therefore go…)

2. Grow

3. Send

Confidence for the Mission

Acts 1:4-8 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Hindrances:

1. Distracted

vs 4 And being assembled together with them

* Distractions are the enemy to purpose and mission. How do we overcome? Balance and intentions.

2. Not good enough

vs 4b-5 He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

* No one can do it better because the Gospel does it on its own. We are nothing more than the carrier, the salesman.

3. Too Busy

vs 6-8 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

* Too busy? Reality is that this is an excuse that has no merit. We are all busy, but the mission Christ gave us was to “be witnesses” along the way! In other words, no matter what you are doing, it can be missional!

* The question is…what is your way?

Urgency:

1. It matters now

Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

September 23, 2018/by TRBC Media

HOW Church? My Commission

SermonNotes

2018-09-16
Matt Willmington

Key verse:
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

We know WHY we should be in the church. But HOW do we do church? Simply put, we do church by carrying out the Great Commission Jesus gave us. Church is the family of God, under the authority of God, living out the word of God, on the mission of God.

Church is Family of God, under the Authority of God, living out the Word of God, on the Mission of God.

Matthew 4:18 NLT One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Yoke. Direction, destination, experience, energy, assignment, companionship, reward

How many steps 10-1 are you from Jesus?

Who you FOLLOWING? WHO’S with you? WHO are you bringing?

Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Tell, Grow, Send. [START book]

1. TELL – “Preach”, “Be witnesses”. Pray for people. Tell them your story / Jesus’ story- ask about their story. Help them get baptized. WHO? Work, school, neighbor, kids…

• OBEY = Have YOU come to Jesus? been baptized?
• OBEY = WHO will you pray / tell / invite?

2 GROW – “Obey ALL” Read, pray with them

• OBEY = Are you reading, praying with ‘family’?
• OBEY = Who are you helping do this?

3 SEND – “Go” [participle], “make disciples” [verb]. Global or Local? Glocal!

• OBEY = Are you going? START! Across street, Across the HALL, across world
• OBEY = Who are you helping to go? Giving, praying,

Daniel 7:13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Revelation 7:9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

September 16, 2018/by TRBC Media

Why Church? The Promise of the Church

SermonNotes

2018-09-09
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers

We’ve discussed over the past few weeks the importance of the local church. We’ve talked about what we believe as a church, why it’s important to be a part of a local church, the purpose of the church and today, we talk about the promise of the church. This is not a discussion of what we “get” from a church but rather what being part of a church does for our overall joy and experience in life. The church is not only the institution Jesus builds to reach the world, it is also the institution Jesus builds to give us the “abundant life” that John 10:10 promises.

Definition of the church: A church is an assembly of believers in whom Christ dwells, under the discipline of the Word of God, organized for evangelism, education, fellowship, and worship, administering the ordinances and reflecting the spiritual gifts. – Elmer Towns

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The Promise of the Church

1. Encouragement

vs 42a …to the apostles’ teaching

– through the study of God’s Word, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God in the midst of every problem

– through the study of God’s Word, we are reminded of the forgiveness given through the gift of God’s Son

2. Fellowship (never alone)

vs 42b …to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper)…

vs 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

– beyond the admonishment to serve within the context of the church, we are also given the great opportunity of enjoying the fellowship of other believers, God doesn’t expect us to be alone

3. Communion

vs 42c …and to prayer

– this is not referring to the Lord’s Supper (an ordinance of the church)

– this is referring to the opportunity we have to be in communion with our Holy God through a personal relationship that affords us an “open door”

– In the beginning of Acts 2, the believers (the early church) were gathered together in prayer and the power of God changed them forever

4. Impact

vs 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

– impact on the individual

– impact on the world

September 9, 2018/by TRBC Media

Why Church? The Purpose of the Church

SermonNotes

2018-09-02
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

We’ve talked about why we must not allow ourselves to buy into the lie that it is not important to gather together as the visible church. (Hebrews 10). Last week, we talked about the definition of a church. What is a church, the “ekklesia” that the Bible describes. We are the body of Christ, all different parts but critical to the whole as we live out our lives as the church.

Today, let’s talk about the purpose of the church. If God “built His church” with the idea of being His own body, wanting us to get together regularly, knowing there is strength in numbers as we gather, then what exactly does He want us to do?

A church is an assembly of believers in whom Christ dwells, under the discipline of the Word of God, organized for evangelism, education, fellowship, and worship, administering the ordinances and reflecting the spiritual gifts. – Elmer Towns

Dr. Towns gives us a great definition of what a church “is”, today let’s talk about what a church “does.”

1. We give Him Glory

Ephesians 1:12-14 (NLT) God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

2. We bring Him Growth

a. Through the proclamation of the Gospel (Mark 16, Matt 28, Acts 1)

Colossians 1:28–29 (NLT) So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

b. Through discipleship (our own spiritual growth as well as others) Col. 2

Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT) Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

3. We celebrate Grace

a. Grace shown to us

Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Grace is the offer of God’s ceaseless presence and irrational love that cannot be stopped. It’s the flow of God’s power and presence and favor in your life from one moment to the next that enables you to do whatever it is God has for you to do. – John Ortberg

b. Grace shown to others

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 4:8-10 (NLT) Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

4. We recognize His Grip – His keeping power

Mark 16:15 (NLT) And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT) He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

September 1, 2018/by TRBC Mobile Team

Why Church? What is the church?

SermonNotes

2018-08-26

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Church – ekklesia (the called out ones)

– appears 114 times in the NT, 109 in direct reference to the community of God’s people

– often used in Greek culture to refer to political gatherings, brought together to accomplish

The NT Church is both local and universal. In the context of the local, it is what we are here today. In the context of the universal, it is all believers everywhere as the expression of the body of Christ. In this conversation, we are discussing why it is important for me to be a part of the local body, the gathering of believers.

– Elmer Towns

Eph. 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

1. We are “called out”

– vs 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

– we have been made right with God through the gift of His Son

– we are a peculiar people

– 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT) But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

2. We are “filled up”

– vs 20a having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…

– we are not part of the church because of a personality, a place, a program or prestige… we are part of the church because we are children of God

– When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn’t just join a local church because it’s a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins the local church because it is the expression of what christ has made him – a member of the body of Christ! 1

3. To “stand up”

– vs 20b …Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

– this expression of what Christ has made us is all about the fact that we were unworthy but Christ changed us anyway and He is the One upon whom we stand

– we have not right to disassociate ourself from the church because of people because the church is not about people it is about Christ

– Formerly, God’s earthly abode was thought to be on Mount Zion and in the Jerusalem temple. Now he makes his abode in the church. 2

– Eph. 1:22-23 (NLT) God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

4. To “stand out”

– vs 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

– 1 Cor. 12:12 (NLT) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.

– 1 Cor. 12:27 (NLT) All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

5. To “rise up”

– vs 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

– Acts 2:42 (NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

– Acts 2:47 (NLT) …all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

1 Dever, Mark (2005). What Is A Healthy Church?, pg 26.

2 Wood, A. S. (1981). Ephesians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 42). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

August 26, 2018/by TRBC Media

Why Church? The Importance of Together

SermonNotes

Why Church? The Importance of Together

2018-08-19
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we are going to begin a conversation that will take us through the next few weeks discussing the church. Not this church, but THE CHURCH! Christ’s church and the importance of it in today’s culture, and more importantly, in your life. So many today are questioning whether it is important to be a part of the church so we will spend time digging into God’s Word to see how truly important it is and why everyone should consider church a non-negotiable. So, WHY CHURCH?

To discuss the importance of why we should be part of the church, we must begin with a discussion of the message of the church.

What was and what now is

Hebrews 10:11-18 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1. Christ’s death on the cross provided the way

12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

2. A final payment for our sins

16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Our Response

1. Desire to be in His presence

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

2. Complete confidence in our faith

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

3. Recognition that we need one another

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

4. Accepting the importance of together

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Moffatt says, “Any early Christian who attempted to live like a pious particle without the support of the community ran serious risks in an age when there was no public opinion to support him”

The power of the cross

Hebrews 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Morris, L. (1981). Hebrews. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, p. 105). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

August 19, 2018/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: Passing It On

SermonNotes

2018-08-12

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Today, we travel through a number of passages in the book of Acts and the letters to Timothy to see the importance of Passing It On. What is it? The mission that God has given to us. It’s not just ours alone, it is for all of us, and it is for all of us to share.

1. Changing Our World Must Include The Next Generation

– Paul understood the only way for us to complete the mission that God has for us is to bring others on board to help

– Paul gave us the great example of allowing others to serve with him, to encourage them in their walk and service

– Acts 16:3-5 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

2. Trusting The Next Generation

– Acts 17:14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.

– Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

– Including the next generation in our mission must also include trusting them, even if they do things a little bit differently than we do

– As long as they are grounded in the Gospel, in God’s Word, we must trust them to be about the mission

3. Commissioning The Next Generation

– Acts 19:22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

– Not only must we trust them when they are by our side, we must send them on

– To let them venture out on their own journeys that God has planned

– Believing that you have the only way to reach people will limit your ability to reach

4. Celebrating The Next Generation

– 2 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son:

– Recognizing that their victories are just as important as our victories

– Rejoicing with the next generation as they impact the world is the greatest way to raise up the next generations to reach the world

August 12, 2018/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: God Can Use Anyone, Anywhere

SermonNotes

2018-08-05

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 16:13 (NKJV) So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

1. God can use anyone

Acts 16:13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized…

– Lydia had traveled from her home to Philippi to do business

– She was faithful woman who worshiped God, but had not yet been saved. She was following Jewish tradition but not Christ

– Then, we she heard the Gospel from Paul, immediately everything changed. She was the first Christian convert in Europe and one of the key players in the church’s arrival in Europe (her home was the first house church)

2. God can use anyone…anywhere

Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

– Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in jail

– They had every reason to be angry and disenfranchised with their faith, but they weren’t, because something was different inside them. What was it?

Three attributes of “anyone” being used “anywhere”…

1. Worshiping

– In the midst of suffering, they didn’t complain, they worshipped

2. Listening

– In the midst of worshipping, they had their ears open for God’s plan and purpose

3. Willing

– When they heard God’s plan, they responded

August 5, 2018/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: The Power of Purpose

SermonNotes

2018-07-29

Pastor Jonathan Falwell Key Verses: Acts 18:9-10 9

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

1. Reputation Matters Acts 18:1-3

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. ²And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. ³So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

– Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish Christians thrown out of Rome

– Paul sought them out because of their trade, but they became key workers in the ministry

– He talked about them in Acts 19 and Romans 16 (“all of the churches are grateful for them”)

– Your reputation as a Christian, both within the church and without, are vital if you are going to fulfill God’s purpose for your life

2. Solidarity Matters Acts 18:6-11

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” ⁷And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. ⁸Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. ⁹Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” ¹¹And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

– The Jews came against Paul for his teaching

– In verse 6, he “gave up” on them

– Justus, Crispus, Aquila, Priscilla and others stood with him

– God told him “DON’T QUIT I WILL BE WITH YOU”

– Today, I believe many Christians are silent because they feel they are alone

3. Commitment Matters Acts 18:18-21

So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. ¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, ²¹but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

– Priscilla and Aquila left Corinth and sailed to Ephesus with Paul

– They had served with him in Corinth but now they commitment to Christ led them to GO!

– They helped plant churches in Ephesus

– They were passionate about carrying on the work of the Gospel and even stayed in Ephesus as Paul traveled on

4. Growth Matters Acts 18:24-28

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. ²⁵This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; ²⁸for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

– Apollos preached the Gospel powerfully but needed to grow in his understanding

– Priscilla and Aquila came alongside and discipled him in the truth of the Gospel

– What a great lesson for all of us! We must all continue to grow in our understanding of the Word and the Way

Priscilla and Aquila were largely unknown when they connected with Paul. Yet through their commitment to Christ and willingness to do what He called them to do, God used them to impact many cities for Christ.

This all happened because they knew and understood that it was the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brought hope for the world. Jesus is the only way.

July 29, 2018/by TRBC Mobile Team

Flannelgraph Faith: The Importance of Action

SermonNotes

2018-07-22

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verses: Acts 10:42-43 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Today, we continue in our Flannelgraph Faith series where we reach back into our memory banks and retell stories from the Bible we may have learned as a child and see what new truths God might have for us through these important moments in history. Today, we are in Acts 10 and we will be discussing the importance of action.

The Importance of Action

1. Action is actually obedience

Vss 13-14 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

– He knew it was the Lord who was speaking and he said no

– Peter is often seen as a zealous follower of Christ but also one that is disobedient

– Notice Cornelius, who was not a Christian, immediately obeyed

– vs 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

2. Action is obedience that fits God’s plan

Vss 30-33 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

– God had prepared the way for the Gospel to be taken around the world

– Peter’s obedience fulfilled God’s plan of reaching outside of the Jewish people

– To this point, the Gospel was a message bound by exclusivity. Now, it became a universal hope given to all

– Today, we at times still treat the Gospel with exclusivity and many may never hear because of our lack of action

3. Action is what results in impact

Vss 44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

– Through the action and obedience of Peter, the Gospel spread far and wide, beyond what Peter thought possible

What do you think God wants to do through our action?

July 22, 2018/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: The Courage of Conviction

SermonNotes

2018-07-15

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verses: Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Today, we continue in our series, Flannelgraph Faith. Last week, we talked about the conversion of Saul (Paul) and we talked about the calling of God. Today, we’re going to roll back a few chapters and talk about the power of that call in our lives and what it should drive us to be.

1. Courage in our faith comes from above before it comes from within

Acts 4:23-31 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ 27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

– the courage of our faith, of our convictions, do not naturally flow from within

– all of us struggle with the sinful nature that will crowd out the courage of our faith

– prayer is the jumping off point standing firm in our faith

2. Courage in our faith is from the overflow

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

– Stephen was “FULL” of faith and power before he did the work of the calling

– This “fullness” comes from immersion in God’s Word and God’s presence

3. Courage in our faith will protect us from beginning to end

Acts 7:57-60 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

– Stephen knew the end was near but never wavered in his faith

– Why? Because he was confident in what he believed and in Whom he believed

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

July 15, 2018/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: When He Calls, LISTEN!

SermonNotes

2018-07-08
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

Today, we’ll begin a Summer series walking through some familiar, powerful stories from the New Testament that I believe can help bolster our faith. These are stories that most of us have heard or read, yet today we’re going old school once again and using the “power of flannel graph” to revisit these stories. And today’s story is about a man named Saul, or Paul, as we now know him.

1. When He Calls, LISTEN!

– Even if you think you’re doing the right thing.

– Paul thought he was doing important work for his religion
Acts 9:1-2 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

2. God’s Call Is Unmistakable

Acts 9:3-4 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

– while most of us will never have a blinding light and a loud voice show up in the midst of a walk, when God calls us it is still undeniable

– He speaks through His Word

– He speaks through His Spirit

3. God’s Call Can Be Confusing

Acts 9:10-15 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

– God didn’t give Ananias the luxury of reason

– Though Ananias wasn’t sure about the task he was given, he obeyed because it came from God

– Even though the work seemed to be scary and uncomfortable

4. God’s Call Is Urgent

Acts 9:20-22 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

July 8, 2018/by TRBC Media

The Church Here and There

SermonNotes

2018-07-01

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Last week, we talked about the way He uses us to build the church and we ended with this verse:

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Today, we’re going to rewind to the first part of Ephesians 4 and talk about our role, our mission and our reward.

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

1. We are called

Vs 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

a. To accomplish our calling requires us to live as the called

b. We didn’t ask for the calling, it was given the moment we accepted Christ

2. To live differently than the world

vs 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

a. This verse is the antithesis of the human experience

b. Selfless rather than selfish

c. Calm rather than angry

d. Caring rather than dismissive

3. To be united in mission

vs 3-4a Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit…

a. We must know that our ultimate goal is reaching the world with the Gospel

b. When that is your primary focus, it takes a lot of pressure off of everything else

c. You’ll care about people that others think you shouldn’t care about

4. To celebrate our future

vs 4b …just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

– a future that we can’t keep to ourselves

– to keep our eyes fixed on what’s ahead not what’s around us

– Phil. 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead

– Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

5. All because of HIM

vs 5-6 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

a. Here’s what it all comes down to…our lives our about HIM!

b. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)

c. He started it…He’ll finish it!

July 1, 2018/by TRBC Media

The Church There and Here

SermonNotes

2018-06-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

For the next two weeks, we’re going to have what might be considered a family meeting. This will be an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate what God has done and dream about what He wants to do in the days ahead. We’re going to break this sermon down into two parts, part 1 today and part 2 will be next Sunday. Here’s the question that we’ll attempt to answer; What does God want us to do as His Church? Well, let’s get into the Word of God and find out

Matthew 16:18-19 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Eph. 4:7-16 (NLT) However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Church – There and Here

1. It is Christ that builds the church

– Matt 16:18b “… I will build My church,”

– It’s not up to us

– We can’t destroy it, we can’t stop it!

– Nor can the world

– The world, and some within the church, desire to keep the church from being what Christ intended…but 1 John 4:4 gives us the encouragement that He equips us with the ability to see their attempts.

2. Christ has chosen us to be His tools

– Eph. 4:7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.

– While Christ builds the church, He has chosen us to help

– If we fail in our duty, He’ll raise up someone else

3. He has equipped us for the job

– Eph. 4:11-12 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

4. He uses the church to grow us

– Eph. 4:13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth

– This is where 1 John 4:4 comes into play, our growth within the church helps us to discern the problem outside the church

5. And then He uses us to grow the church

– Eph. 4:15-16 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

– Go into all the world…

– “so that the whole body is healthy and growing…”

– that phrase is not about TRBC Lynchburg, it is about the global church

Eph. 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

June 24, 2018/by TRBC Media

Our Responsibilities As Christ Followers

SermonNotes

2018-06-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:
Gal. 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart

Today, on Father’s Day, we focus on dads. We celebrate their impact and importance on all of us. While that’s important, it is far more important that we recognize the responsibility we all have to be the kinds of positive role models and leaders that the Bible calls us to be.

Galatians 6:1-10 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

1. We are responsible to and for one another

– vs 1a Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.

– We have a duty to hold each other accountable for our actions

– We have a duty to be active participants in restoration NOT destruction

– We have a duty to be active participants in evangelism

– We have a duty to be active participants in discipleship

2. We are responsible to God

– vs 1b And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

– We have a duty to seek and foster personal spiritual growth

– We have a duty to recognize our own sin and actively seek to fight our sinful nature

3. We are responsible to care

– vs 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

– This is the opposite of pride and arrogance

– This is the opposite of “what’s in it for me”

– It is the idea of “coming alongside”

– burden (baros – a heavy weight or stone)

4. We are responsible to do what’s right

– vs 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

– This does not contradict verse 2. Paul is describing a different type of load

– Burden here is the word far-TEE-on – the obligation Christ lays on us

– vss 7-8 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

– it does matter what we do and how we do it

– Pastor RG Lee’s sermon, PAYDAY SOMEDAY

R.G. Lee said, “:Sin will take you farther than you want to go, Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.”

5. We are responsible to NOT QUIT

– vss 9-10 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

– “At just the right time…”

– Greek word, “ki-ROS – the perfect time”

– Maybe not our time, but His time, which is always far better

June 17, 2018/by TRBC Media

Spirit Led Living

SermonNotes

2018-06-10
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

For the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about the Holy Spirit’s presence and purpose in our lives. Going back to Acts 1 when He was promised, Acts 2 when He arrived, and on and on as His present work continues to lead and guide us. Spirit-filled and Spirit-led living is the only way to find joy in life. Today, let’s talk about the importance of LETTING Him do His work in our lives.

Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Spirit Led Living

1. Live in poverty

– Total dependence

– vs 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

2. Because it’s an uphill battle

– vs 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

– Doing the right thing is always tough but always right

– Paul said even he struggled with doing right in Romans 7:15

– There’s an internal battle going on daily in your heart and mind. Let God’s Word and His presence strengthen you to be on the right side.

3. But you can do it

– vs 18a But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

4. He will make you what you need to be

– vs 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

– When allowed, the Holy Spirit will do a great work in our hearts which will naturally flow out in what we do.

– Complete surrender is the only way to let it work.

5. And He will give you victory

– vs 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

– Does this mean you will not sin anymore? Of course not. But it does mean that we will see His victory at work within us.

June 10, 2018/by TRBC Media

Keys To Living Right

SermonNotes

2018-06-03
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

Prov. 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their heart.

The phrase, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes”, appears multiple times throughout the Old Testament. In each case, it was a picture of the nation going in the wrong direction as a result of people not following God’s Word or God’s plan. The situation then was not much different than the situation now. We are once again living in a “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” culture and the results are the same; We are in trouble, the church is in trouble, our future is in trouble. It’s time to turn things around and stop living in a way that we think is right and start living in the way that God has told us is right.

Psalm 119:9 (NLT) How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Keys To Living Right

1. Obey His Word (vs 9)

– It is only possible to live right through obedience, you can’t make it up along the way

– “Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily.” 1

– James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

2. Seek Him (vs 10)

– “tried hard” – lav (layve) = with my whole heart, everything that I am

– In order to live right, we must diligently seek him

– Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

3. Memorize Scripture (vs 11)

– vs 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

– Can there be a clearer statement about the importance of memorizing God’s Word

– This is how we find out what we are to obey. If we are not hiding His Word in our hearts, then we’re either making up what is right and wrong or we’re letting someone else tell us what God desires to tell us at the risk of not getting the whole story.

– Take time daily to allow God’s Word to sink in

4. Worship Him (vs 12-13)

– Living right is a statement on what you believe about Christ

– If you’re not living according to God’s Word, you are saying that it’s not that important to honor His Word. Meaning, that He is not that important in your life.

– Our responsibility in life is to bring praise to Him in everything we do, by not living right, we are living in Sin

5. Find Joy In Following (vs 14-16)

– It is actually fun to follow Him. Living our lives according to God’s Word and God’s plan brings joy that you can’t even describe.

– The world’s plan only brings disappointment, fear, discouragement. God’s plan brings life, and life more abundant. – John 10:10

1 Mike and Ruth Greene, Majesty Music Inc.

June 3, 2018/by TRBC Media

Words Matter

SermonNotes

2018-05-27
Scott Bullman

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

The Power of our Words:

“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue…”
James 3:7-8a (NLT)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

“Words kill…words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.”
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)

OUR WORDS CAN BE LIFE-GIVING

• Words that Encourage

“So, encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

• Words that Inspire

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)

• Words of Kindness and Gentleness

“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

“Gentle words are a tree of life, a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)

• Words of Truth and Honesty

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Proverbs 27:29 (NLT)

“In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.”
Proverbs 28:23 (NLT)

“…Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…”
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

• A Timely Word

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.”
Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)

“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.”
Proverbs 25:11 (The Message)

• A Smart Word

“From a wise mind comes wise speech…”
Proverbs 16:23a (NLT)

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NLT)

“Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”
James 3:2-6 (NLT)

OUR WORDS CAN BE TOXIC

• Critical Words

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

• Slanderous Words

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)

Proverbs 16:2 – “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”

“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”
Proverbs 25:18 (NIV)

• Gossip

“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”
Proverbs 16:28 (NLT)

“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.”
Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)

Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip goes around telling secrets,but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.”

Romans 12:17 – “Never pay back evil for more evil.”

“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.”
Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

• Inappropriate Words

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil”
Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV)

CONCLUSION

A heart filled with BITTERNESS speaks ANGRY words
A heart filled with FORGIVENESS speaks GRACIOUS words

A heart filled with ENTITLEMENT speaks COMPLAINING words
A heart filled with GRATITUDE speaks UPLIFTING words

A heart filled with GUILT speaks HARSH words
A heart filled with PEACE speaks TENDER words

A heart filled with REJECTION speaks RESENTFUL words
A heart filled with ACCEPTANCE speaks KIND words

A heart filled with GRUMBLING speaks NEGATIVE words
A heart filled with THANKSGIVING speaks POSITIVE words

A heart filled with CONDEMNATION speaks JUDGMENTAL words
A heart filled with LOVE speaks COMPASSIONATE words

A heart filled with JEALOUSY speaks words of GOSSIP
A heart filled with CONTENTMENT speaks words of BLESSING

A heart filled with SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS speaks CRITICISM
A heart filled with HOPE speaks ENCOURAGING words

8 No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”
James 3:8-12 (NLT)

May 27, 2018/by TRBC Media

The Power of His Presence

SermonNotes

2018-05-20
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

Acts 2:1-21 NKJV
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only [e]the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

The Power of His Presence

1. Pentecost
* 50 (festival of weeks – 50 days after Pentecost0
* Signals beginning of the church age
* Wind and Fire (wind-OT references under God’s Control; fire-presence of God)
* Tongues – so all could understand. Specifically, when God’s Spirit is in us He will give us supernatural power to reach the world

2. Supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in our lives
a. It was promised (Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”)
b. It was obvious
– And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
c. It was significant – vss 7-13 “Then they were all amazed…” – it didn’t make sense
d. It was life-changing
– vs 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that
day about three thousand souls were added to them e. It should be convicting
– we’ve lost the sensitivity to the Spirit
– we’ve lost the passion to do what Christ commanded (you shall) – we’ve lost the urgency
– vs 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days

May 20, 2018/by TRBC Media

The Power of a Testimony

SermonNotes

2018-05-13

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Jeremiah 33:3

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

May 13, 2018/by TRBC Media

Hope In the Hurting

SermonNotes

2018-05-06

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Psalms 34:1 NKJV “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Today, we find ourselves constantly reminded of the suffering all around us. Tragedies abound. Heartache and heartbreak seem to be ever-present. Our joy, however, is not defeated in the midst of these difficult moments. The world constantly is looking for happiness. As a result, they look for the temporal, the worldly, in order to find that happiness. And they are left defeated and discouraged. Stop looking for happiness, seek joy.

Psalms 34:1-22 NLT “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.”

Hope for the Hurting

1. When you hurt – worship (vs 1-3)

– the greatest avenue for overcoming pain is praise

– vs 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises

– vs 2b let all who are helpless take heart

– worship is an ever-present reminder of an ever loving, ever-working, ever-worthy God!

2. When you hurt – pray (vs 4-7)

– vs 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me

– vs 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles

– you are never closer to the power of God than when you are in the presence of God though prayer

– a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian

3. When you hurt – run (vs 8-10)

– run to HIM!

– vs 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

– when in the midst of pain and problem, many run FROM not TO

4. When you hurt – listen (vs 11-14)

– listen to His Word

– listen to His calling

– listen to His promises

5. When you hurt – trust (vs 15-18)

– vs 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.- Pain is the great distractor. It distracts us from the promises of God because we are focused on our own problems, not His ability to deliver us

6. When you hurt – don’t quit (vs 19-22)

– vs 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

– vs 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

– God has never promised a life free from pain and suffering, but He has promised us a life of victory over our pain and suffering.

The TakeAway –

1. Make it a practice to spend at least ten minutes of every day thanking and praising God for the good in your life

2. Spend time everyday asking God for clarity and wisdom in navigating this thing called life.

3. Read God’s Word daily

– a Proverb and Psalms every day

4. Don’t walk away when it seems that things aren’t working

5. Remember the greatest of all promises and the greatest of all hopes – – our Salvation!

May 6, 2018/by TRBC Media

Following a God sized vision, again

SermonNotes

2018-04-29
Sergio Guardia

Revelation 7:9-10
Main idea: May your Kingdom be done on earth, as it is seen in Heaven.
God’s strategy is the body of Christ doing ministry together

God’s vision is UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Here God is showing us who He envisions on being in Heaven with Him. Every nation, all tribes, peoples and tongues from earth. The only color here is the blood of the Lamb, the only nation is the nation of the Lamb, we are all people of the Lamb. We were not part of his people, and he made His people, we were not part of His covenant, and He died to make us part of the New Covenant, we did not belong to His Heaven, but he made us citizens of the New Jerusalem. All of us are just sojourners on our way home.

When it comes to racial reconciliation, We need to take more than forward steps, we need to be a model for the world of what heaven would look like.

In Heaven, we will all be sinners forgiven by the same blood, called from a sin status to sons and daughters status, with the same citizenship given to us by the same King.

God’s vision is great, and the price to accomplish this vision had to be great.
This vision cost God the precious blood of Jesus. A price given to have a body of believers from every nation, tribe and tongue. God paid the Son’s blood to make it EVERY.

EVERY was expensive, and God paid it because it was important to him, thus, it should be important to us as well.

Let’s be part of making disciples that can become citizens of heaven. Let’s do our part to preach the Kingdom and to live out the culture of King Jesus’s kingdom.

Are we committed more to culture than Christ? Is it more important how people will perceive us than what the Bible is telling us to do?

How can we foster racial reconciliation? Dr. Tony Evans says this should be not the end in itself, It is a mean to a common cause.

The Kingdom is near, repent. We need to repent if we want reconciliation. Reconciliation cannot happen before repentance. Peace and unity cannot happen before reconciliation. We need to close the circle, in order to close the circle, we need to start the circle, and it starts with repentance. This is not a call to one race only, this is a calling to the church of Jesus Christ. When we have not lived to the standards God set, we need to repent.

What it would look if we do outreach together? What if several life groups would adopt a School in their area to minister? This would reach out diversity itself.
On a personal level. How many people have you mentored that is a different skin color than yours? That has a different background? We cannot force this, it has to be done in a natural way when we build the relationships

God’s vision done in His power
God is worshiped because of who He is and because of what He has done.
He deserves Glory, because He is the deliverer.
He deserves Honor and thanksgiving. Those are the marks of a grateful heart.
We praise him for His wisdom. He has a deliverance plan, he knows the way to go, He is the way.
We praise him for His strength. He is wise to come up with the better plan, and He has the strength to make it happen.

He brings his to people to his presence, and His presence is synonym of protection, provision and fellowship. In his presence they shall hunger no more, they shall thirst no more, no heat no more. He meets our greatest needs and he comforts from our deepest sorrows.

Meanwhile, we still suffer of heat or cold, hunger and thirst, of broken families, broken lives, and broken dreams. It is still a broken world. But, in the midst of a broken world, God provides HIS UNBREAKABLE PRESENCE.

I might cry, but he is my comfort
I might thirst, but he is living water
I might be hungry, but He is the bread of life
I might lose sight, but He is the light of the world

We cannot accomplish this great vision without depending on Him. As a church, we need to seek him. Not only we cannot do this as an individual, but, we cannot do this as a church without depending on God. We need to keep trusting Him, and follow Him on this God sized vision, and we need to do it together.

Maranatha!

April 29, 2018/by TRBC Media

A Brand New Day of Serving

SermonNotes

2018-04-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:1-7 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.

1. You have been called

Vs 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

– Not one of us has the luxury of taking it easy in our walk with God

– God has a purpose and a plan for each of us

– We will be held accountable to what we have done in response to that call

2. Called to SERVE

2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

– Our calling is never self centered, it always revolves around others

– Serving others requires patience

– “binding” – soon-DES-mohs = of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together

3. You’ve been equipped vs 7

7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ

Romans 12:4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

– God will never call us to do that which we are not enabled and empowered to be able to do successfully. In other words, what God calls us to He ensures we will be able to pull it off

– That service must always flow from our love for one another (vs 9)

– Service out of duty rather than love will never develop a habit and will never produce joy

– The calling He has placed on us will never be a breeze, but it will always be worth it (vs 11)

4. You’ve been blessed vs 16

– Eph 4:16 “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

– When God’s people do God’s work according to God’s calling, it produces a healthy, loving, and happy family of God

April 22, 2018/by TRBC Media

Brand New Day: A Brand New Day of Relating

SermonNotes

2018-04-15
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1. Sin will damage your relationships beyond repair

Vss 17-19 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

– hopelessness can never result in happiness

– full of darkness, wandering FAR from the life God gives

– John 10:10 “life more abundantly”

– Phil 4:7 “peace that passes all understanding”

2. The “TURN” that happened when you came to Christ is a daily commitment

Vss 20-24 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

– we are a new creation, but we must work daily to remain where God wants us

– “throw off” (a-paw-TITH-a-me) = to put away or to cease what one is accustomed to doing

How does this play out in our relationships?

1. Honesty

Vs 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

– Prov 12:22 The Lord detests (an abomination) lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth

2. Self-control

Vss 26-29a And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language.

– controlling our anger requires complete dependence on God

– uncontrolled anger provides fertile ground for the devil

– turn what is natural (sin) into what is eternal (God’s plan)

3. Building up

Vs 29b Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

– be an encourager, lifting others up every chance you get

4. A change in action and attitude

Vss 30-32a And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted…

5. A life of forgiveness

Vs 32b …forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

– forgiveness is the primary action to stronger relationships

– Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves! “If another believer[a] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

April 15, 2018/by TRBC Media

Brand New Day: A Brand New Day of Living

SermonNotes

2018-04-08

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: 1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1 John 1:1 (NLT) We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

1. A Brand New Day of Salvation

– recognition

– belief – Romans 10

2. A Brand New Day of Action

– baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) “it should be done”

– seeking him daily

3. A Brand New Day of Living

Vss 5-6 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.

this epistle of John addresses a heretical view at that time that Jesus and the Christ were not the same
John was addressing the absolute holiness of God to counter the viewpoint that one can “know” God and still be living in darkness
Knowing God, as declared by Jesus Himself, is through Jesus alone – John 14

4. A Brand New Day of Walking

Vss 7-8 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

John, again, dealing with the heretical view that one can know God apart from Christ
Yes, we are all sinners, but through Christ we obtain forgiveness of our sins
But, living in the light, requires a new way of walking through life
This new way is not found in believing that we can do whatever we want and still be fine in our relationship with Him
God is a holy God and cannot tolerate sin; the OT dealing with Israel is a clear picture of this
Paul addressed the problem of sin in the heart of the believer in Romans 7:14-25

5. A Brand New Day of Forgiveness

vs 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

And so while we must live our lives dedicated to moving away from our sinful desires and moving towards holiness, there will be times we fail
Our failure does not equal losing our salvation or our hope in Him, in fact, it is another reminder of the great hope we have because of Him because of the forgiveness He quickly offers

April 8, 2018/by TRBC Media

Easter – A Brand New Day

SermonNotes

2018-04-01
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The Cross. A powerful symbol. Think of what it must have been like that day. Three wooden crosses, fashioned from the rough wood of a recently felled tree. They didn’t spend time putting the finishing touches on these works. No smooth finish, no shiny lacquer. Just rough, splintering wood. Left that way to ensure the greatest pain for the criminal who would die there. As the condemned would slowly push up with their legs to grasp for air, getting ever more difficult with each move, the splinters from that rough tree would rip at their already shredded skin.

Three crosses stood that day. The whole town no doubt came out to see what this was all about, to watch these men die. The pharisees and religious leaders there to see their plan come to fruition. Their friends and family, with tears in their eyes, standing by in denial of what they would see witness. The soldiers simply doing what they were told to do, just another day at work.

Soon, the crowd grew larger as these men were led to the hillside. Their pain already more than most could withstand. They were brought to where the wooden crosses were waiting. Nailed to these trees then lifted to begin the agonizing process of dying as they hung for the world to see. Three men dying for the sins committed. Two for their own sins, one for the sins of us all.

2 Cor. 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

“Him who knew no sin” became our sin. That’s why Jesus died. The substitutionary atonement for the sins of the world. Payment for your sins and mine. You see, someone had to pay. That’s what His substitutionary death was all about.

God is a Holy God. A righteous God, and the righteous Judge. He hates sin, cannot allow sin to go unpunished, to go unpaid. He had to judge and punish sin. But God is also a God of love. Ultimate love, unending love. And so, through His great love, He found a way for our sins to be punished, for the price to be paid, without getting what we deserve.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death…

That way was for His only Son, Jesus, to pay that price. To bear the weight of our sins, to be punished for our wrongdoing.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Jesus came to this earth, hung on that cross, died a horrible death. Not for what He had done, but for what we had done. Not for His bad acts, but for ours. Not for His sin, but for mine, and yours, and for all of mankind. Why? Because God loves us that much. Jesus stepped in and took the punishment so we wouldn’t have to suffer. To save us from our sin, to save us from Hell, to save us for Heaven.

That day was a long day. As they watched Jesus hanging on the cross, the pain he endured became greater and greater. The words He uttered became more troubling with each passing breath. And eventually, He breathed His last.

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.'” Having said this, He breathed His last.

When He died, the earth shook, the sky darkened, dead people came out of their tombs, the veil in the temple was ripped in two. It was utter chaos. The family, friends and disciples who stood nearby were gripped by grief and fear. Tears rolled down their cheeks as they watched the man they loved, the man they had followed, for whom they had given up everything, slowly lose His life. Now, they probably slipped further away from the crowd, not sure what to do next.

The pharisees and religious leaders, those who had set this into motion, were no doubt filled with pride. Never again would they hear of this man Jesus, never again hear His teachings, never again see Him turn over the tables in the temple, never again dealing with those He healed, never again listening to what they perceived to be blasphemies uttered from His lips. Never again, this Jesus. They walked away with heads held high, they had won. The day had ended in defeat for this Jesus.

The soldiers? Just another day at work. They had done what they were told to do, accomplished their assigned tasks. No big deal, just another day at the office. The day was over, it had ended. Time to go home.

Soon, His body was taken down from that cross. Wrapped and prepared for burial. Carried off to the tomb borrowed for this purpose, not a great distance from where they stood. He was placed in the tomb, the entrance way sealed with a great rock. Guards placed there to ensure that no one would steal the body to cause confusion. The day was done, Jesus was dead, it was finished.

Not much is said about what took place between that day and a few days later. Reading the Gospel accounts, we are aware of a number of different events that took place on that morning. Angels appeared, soldiers knocked out, stone rolled from the entrance way to the tomb, disciples coming and going. Peter looking into the space seeing that Jesus wasn’t there and running away. But there’s an account in John 20 that I want to take a brief look at this morning because I believe it captures a special moment after the resurrection of Jesus.

John 20:11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Mary had come to the tomb filled with hopelessness, pain, loss and grief. She had come that day to continue to grieve. To anoint His body as Mark 16 tells us. Her heart was broken because Jesus was dead. Now, to add insult to injury, His body was gone.

As she stood there, angels spoke to her asking her why she was upset. She answered because they had taken away the body of Jesus. Then she sees another man who also asks why she was upset. Thinking this man was the gardener, she begs him to just tell her where the body is, tell me where they’ve taken him! With the tears in her eyes, the grief in her heart, the pain that flooded her spirit, she had no idea who she was talking to at that moment. Then, one word changed everything. The man simply said…MARY!

A simple word, her name, that immediately changed everything about this situation. She heard her name spoken, she had heard it a million times before, but this wasn’t just another mention, she wasn’t overhearing this common name spoken by someone else, this was her name uttered by someone that meant everything to her. It was Jesus. He was alive. She immediately recognized His voice, she looks at Him and speaks, RABBONI (rabb-ee-oh-NEE). Teacher! The one who had taught her everything that really mattered. The one who had healed her. Seven demons cast out of her by this Man. It was Jesus. He was ALIVE! It was a BRAND NEW DAY! Everything changed! Jesus is ALIVE!

Lamentations 3:22-26 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly. For the salvation of the Lord.

I love that phrase in verse 23…”they are new every morning!” What an amazing concept. Everyday is a brand new day with Him.

DARKNESS, SLEEP AT NIGHT, WAKE UP
a. Darkness
b. Uncertainty
c. Worry

You just want your mind to shut down, to stop thinking about all of the problems, the challenges, the hurts and worry. But yet in the midst of the darkness of night, sometimes it seems as if that is all we can think about and it just won’t stop. But, when day arrives, when dawn breaks, when the light begins to shine, it seems as if everything is okay once again.

That’s a picture of verse 23…NEW EVERY MORNING! That’s the picture of His resurrection. Darkness reigned, worry consumed, grief overwhelmed, fear abounds, then morning came! The light shines, Jesus raised from the grave! GREAT IS THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD! No matter how bad it might seem, He is faithful because HE LIVES.

Verse 24 states, “Therefore I hope in Him, the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who sees Him!”

Our hope is in Him because He has defeated death, the grave and hell. He has destroyed the plans of Satan himself. The darkness that was all-consuming when they rolled the stone in front of the entrance to the tomb was shattered by an ever-burning, ever-present light that can never be extinguished. Jesus rose from the grave, HE IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE! Darkness, then the dawn.

Verse 25 states, “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly. For the salvation of the Lord.”

For the salvation of the Lord! That is what Easter is all about, the salvation of the Lord. God the holy One, the righteous judge, has to see sin punished. He hates sin and cannot allow sin to go without payment. Our sin, the sins of the world, is something that God cannot tolerate and will not let slide. He has to punish sin. The sin must be covered and it requires the shedding of blood to atone for our sins.

Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

There must be blood to pay for our sins and the blood that was required was our own. For the wages of sin is death…We deserve to pay that price, we deserve to suffer, we deserve to die for our sins. But yet God, the righteous judge, loves us so very much that He wouldn’t hear of it. He doesn’t want us to pay with our blood, our lives, for our sin. He doesn’t want us to pay eternally for the sin in our lives. His desire is for there to be a covering and Jesus is that covering.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

For the whole world. He is that covering, He Paid that price. That is the Gospel in a nutshell. He died for our sins according the Scripture, and he was buried, and He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15). Jesus died and rose again so that everyone of us, all of us, could have victory over the darkness of our lives, the pain of our past, the severity of our sins, the suffering we deserve. He died and rose again so that we might have life in His name. He died and rose again so that by believing in Him, we can escape the reality of the Hell we deserve to experience the hope of the Heaven we’ve been given through Jesus Christ.

Today we celebrate, not because it’s Spring, not because of the Easter bunny, not because we might like candy, not because we like to look for little plastic eggs. We celebrate because there’s a God in Heaven who loves us so very much that He gave His all (His Son Jesus) to pay it all, for us all, so we could have it all…if we will just believe.

Jesus shed His blood. He died. He was buried. But praise God, on the third day, He shattered the darkness, He broke through the bondage, He cast aside the shackles, He tossed off the guilt, He wrapped His arms around us, He welcomed us into His family, and gave us the greatest gift that one could ever imagine. He gave us A BRAND NEW DAY! A BRAND NEW TOMORROW! A BRAND NEW ETERNITY!

BECAUSE HE LIVES!

They thought He was dead. They thought He was defeated. They thought it was over, that Jesus had been stopped. They thought they would never again have to hear about what He had done, no more miracles, no more sermons, no more throwing the money changers from the temple, no more graves robbed, no more supposed blasphemies from His lips. He was dead, locked away in His tomb, sealed away for all time, dead, gone, forever! BUT…

UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE;
WITH A MIGHTY TRIUMPH OVER HIS FOES;
HE AROSE A VICTOR FROM THE DARK DOMAIN,
AND HE LIVES FOREVER, WITH HIS SAINTS TO REIGN.
HE AROSE, HE AROSE, HALLELUJAH, CHRIST AROSE!
Robert Lowry, 1826-1899

April 1, 2018/by TRBC Media

Crossroads – Facing Points of Brokenness!

SermonNotes

2018-03-18
Dr. David Wheeler

Memory Verse:
John 20:21 (NKJV)
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Focal Passage – John 21:1-19 Holman Christian Bible
21 After this, Jesus revealed Himself again to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed Himself in this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 “I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them. “We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 5 “Men,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered. 6 “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” He told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. 7 Therefore the disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea. 8 But since they were not far from land (about 100 yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. 11 So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Jesus’ Threefold Restoration of Peter
15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Feed My lambs,” He told him.
16 A second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.
17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”
“Feed My sheep,” Jesus said. 18 “I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, “Follow Me!”

Here are some highlights –

John 1:40-42 – Jesus calls Peter and recognizes his great potential.
When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John.[ad] You will be called Cephas” (which means “Rock”).

Matthew 14:22-33 He walked on water – but fell to the flesh and took his eyes off of Jesus and in his own strength, began to sink!
27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” 29 “Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 16:13-20 He confessed Jesus as Messiah:

He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 15 “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah (Christ), the Son of the living God!”

Peter then continued and blew it in Matthew 16:21-23:
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to You!” 23 But He turned and told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s.”
. . . Peter’s mouth and his mind were disconnected from his heart – they wrote a check that his heart could not cash. Talk is cheap, knowing about Christ without personally and fully connecting to His eternal plan emasculates our faith and results in religious pride without personal surrender. Bottom line, for wisdom to be effective – it must be connected to understanding. Again, Peter displayed Charisma over character!

Luke 9:28-36 – Mount of Transfiguration
30 Suddenly, two men were talking with Him—Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. 33 As the two men were departing from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it’s good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying:
This is My Son, the Chosen One; listen to Him!
He was at the Transfiguration – he sought outward sacrifice over inner surrender. Peter is like the person recording their experience on social media without really living it out, or the guy missing the moment because he is too concerned in impressing others with his social posts. Remember . . . Jesus always desires mercy over sacrifice!

John 13:36-38 Prediction that Peter would deny Christ
33 “Children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, ‘Where I am going you cannot come,’ so now I tell you . . . 36 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to Him, “where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” 37 “Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!” 38 Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? I assure you: A rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times.
John 18:1-11 – Peter cuts the ear off of the High Priest’s Slave, Malchus
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. (The slave’s name was Malchus.) 11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Sheathe your sword! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me?”
John 18: 15-18; 25 -27 Peter Denies Christ Three Times
16 But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in. 17 Then the slave girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” “I am not!” he said. 18 Now the slaves and the temple police had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself . . .
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of His disciples too, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” 26 One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?”27 Peter then denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.

John 20:1-10 Peter goes to the empty tomb

Now we come to John Chapter 21 . . .

1. It always begins with the Resurrected Lord

Too many people try to cheapen Easter and the Trivialize the resurrection.

In spite of the World’s Attempts to Trivialize Christianity and to Marginalize Christians . . . Make NO Mistake that from the Immaculate Baby to the Miraculous Risen Savior, the Message is the same . . . It is all about Hope and Restoration!!!

Joy to the World:
Verse 1
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

2. How did Peter respond seeing the empty tomb, the first thing he did was return to what he knew – He fished!

Fishing was Peter’s default mode. In spite of Jesus having already twice revealed Himself to the disciples in His resurrected state, he appears to be so caught up in himself that all he can do is default back to his previous self.

What is our default? We all have a default!

3. Then it all changed when Peter was again confronted by the Risen Jesus:

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.” “Feed My lambs,” He told him.
16 A second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.” “Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.
17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.” “Feed My sheep,” Jesus said.

4. What should we notice: Peter was desperate and broken – he was finally moldable and willing to surrender – this is always the KEY!

I love what Jim Cymbala says in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire:

“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him”

5. It was then that Peter finally spoke the eternal words that transformed his life, “Lord, you know everything!”

6. Here is the KEY Crossroads Principle for today . . . Life begins when you do not care if you die, you just care the Christ is glorified and that His gospel is proclaimed regardless of the price . . . in life or in death – We must willingly surrender everything under His authority!

By the time we get to Chapter 21, Peter is broken
John 21 – the apex of the Peter story, after denying Christ three times, he is exiled to the loneliness of his self imposed grief – he lacked courage, belief, he lacked true understanding! He was finally so miserable and afflicted that he was willing to admit that Jesus as God “knew everything!” The transfer of ownership was finally complete. He would now become the man who preached powerfully at Pentecost, who stood up to the religious elite and faced almost certain death in Acts 4, to become the leader of one of the greatest movements of prayer and truth in history! Would he die, YES, but not before he finally lives!!! He was home – he was redeemed! As Jesus called him out in John 4, he would now begin “fishing for men!”

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

March 29, 2018/by TRBC Media

Crossroads: Walking to Heaven

SermonNotes

2018-03-25
Jerry Vines

Memory verse:
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Scripture says of Enoch that he “walked with God.” This is a descriptive way of saying that Enoch lived his life in fellowship with God. The Christian faith is sometimes described as “the way.” Throughout Church history this figure of walking has been used. John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” follows this theme. To walk with God suggests the three phases of the Christian life. We walk in- that’s conversion; we walk on- that’s sanctification; we walk out- that is glorification!

Gen. 5:21-24 KJV
21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Enoch walked IN, ON, OUT.

March 25, 2018/by TRBC Media

Crossroads – Hope for Tomorrow and Forever

SermonNotes

2018-03-11
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Last week, we started our walk towards Easter with a new series entitled, “Crossroads.” This is a series that takes a brief look at those whose lives intersected with Jesus during His earthly ministry on the way to the cross and how they were forever changed. Last week, we talked about the blind men from Matthew 20. Today, we’re going to look at someone a bit closer to Jesus. His intersection occurred when he was called to be a disciple, to follow Jesus. We know him as Thomas.

John 11:1 (CSB) Now a man was sick, Lazarus, from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Him: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after that, He said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.” 8 “Rabbi,” the disciples told Him, “just now the Jews tried to stone You, and You’re going there again?” 9 “Aren’t there 12 hours in a day?” Jesus answered. “If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 If anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.” 11 He said this, and then He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on My way to wake him up.” 12 Then the disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.” 13 Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought He was speaking about natural sleep. 14 So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. 15 I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (called “Twin”) said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go so that we may die with Him.”

Here, we pause in the story because usually, one continues to read the amazing story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. And, that is an amazing story, but not the one we focus on today. Today, we focus on Thomas. In John 11, Thomas appears, not as the doubter we believe he might be, but a man willing to walk into harm’s way, following the Master. The other disciples were concerned (John 11:8) for their safety since people in Judea were seeking to stone Jesus. But Thomas was ready…to follow Jesus even if it meant his own death. So then, why do we have the view of Thomas as the “doubter.”

Hope for Now and Forever

John 14:1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1. Thomas was unsure of what tomorrow might hold (vs 5)

– Thomas wanted more information, he wanted to know the way

2. Jesus gave the answer (vs 6)

– I AM (eggo EYE-me)

3. Thomas’ tomorrow came quicker than expected

– Jesus was soon arrested, tried, and killed

John 20:24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”

4. Thomas forgot what Jesus had said (vs 25)

– Jesus had shared His mission with them (Mark 8)

26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.” 28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”

5. Jesus again gave the answer – HOPE (vs 27-28)

– “Trust me”

– “My Lord and my God”

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

6. Jesus’ answer is always the same – I AM (eggo EYE-me_)

HOPE FOR TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER

March 17, 2018/by TRBC Media

Crossroads – Crossing His Path

SermonNotes

Crossroads
2018-03-04
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:
Matthew 15:30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.

Matthew 15:29 Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. 30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

When our paths cross His path, everything can be made whole. Notice the word used in the previous sentence…”can.” It’s critical for us to notice that the greatest hindrance to Christ doing His greatest work, outside of Salvation, in our lives is us, not Him. Over the next few weeks, leading to Easter, we’re going to take a look at some of the moments found in Scripture where people’s lives crossed with Jesus, some of which were inadvertent, and they were forever changed because of the intersection of their lives with Christ. Our prayer is that these stories of life change will be a catalyst to all of us to remember the power found in Christ and for some of us, that He is the only way to Heaven.

Matthew 20:29-34 (Christian Standard Bible) As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd told them to keep quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 “Lord,” they said to Him, “open our eyes!” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed Him.

What they did…

1. They heard…

vs 30b When they heard that Jesus was passing by…

– this indicates that they had already heard of this man Jesus
– they knew of His power- the stories of what Jesus had done had no doubt brought about serious conversations for these men, but they had not acted on it.

2. They called…

vs 30c …they cried out…

3. They knew…

vs 30d …Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!…

– theirs was not a problem of lack of belief, it was a problem of lack of action

4. They persisted…

vs 31a The crowd told them to keep quiet, but they cried out all the more…

– when they finally decided to act, nothing was going to stop them

What He did…

5. Jesus listened…

vs 32 Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?

– in every situation found in Scripture when people called out to Jesus, He listened. Not once did He ignore those calling.

6. Jesus cared…

vs 34a Moved with compassion…

– the constant state of Jesus during His ministry here, and still today

7. Jesus healed…

vs 34b … Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see…

– what Jesus ALWAYS did

8. They followed…

vs 34c …and they followed Him.

March 4, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Makers: To Serve Is To Give

SermonNotes

2018-02-25
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Last week, from Galatians 5

1. Serving is the antidote to selfishness

2. Serving is fulfilling God’s command

3. Serving will keep us together

Last week, we began this sermon of which we will conclude today. It is the final sermon in our series, Difference Makers. Last week we talked about the importance of serving. Today, we continue and talk about giving. Giving is how we serve. Giving of our time, our talent and our treasure. Today, I want to talk specifically about the treasure element of that statement.

But first, let’s take a quick journey through the history of giving our treasure as it relates to the Bible.

Gen. 14 – Melchizadek received a “tithe” from Abraham as he returned from war

Lev. 27 – 400 years later, Moses receives the law which states that they are to give a tenth

Deut. 14 – 40 years later, Moses reminds them, “You must set aside a tithe… Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship…”

Mal. 3 – 1,000 years later. “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes (mah-ah-SAY-er = a tenth) and offerings due to me.” (Malachi 3:8)

Now, we’ll move into the New Testament. Some have argued that the tithe was an Old Testament thing, under the Mosaic Law, not applicable to the New Testament. However, the New Testament continues to teach regular, systematic giving, to the church. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16.

1 Cor. 16:1-2 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

So, a New Testament picture of giving that emulates the Old Testament.

1. First

2. Intentional

3. Proportionate

We have a clear mandate from God’s Word that giving is a critical part of following Christ. Jesus says in Matthew 23:

Matthew 23:23 What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

TO SEND IS TO SERVE, TO SERVE IS TO GIVE, TO GIVE IS TO LOVE

2 Corinthians 8:1-12 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

TO SERVE IS TO GIVE

4. Giving Is The Pathway To Abundant Joy

– Vs 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

5. Giving Is A Sign Of Spiritual Maturity

– vs 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

6. Giving Is A Calling From God

– Vss 6-7 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

– excel in serving AND giving

7. Giving Is A Response To Your Love For Christ

– vs 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

February 25, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Makers: To Send Is To Serve, To Serve Is To Give, To Give is to Love

SermonNotes

2018-02-18

Key verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

The last several weeks we’ve talked about being a difference maker. We’ve talked about making an impact in our world, in our community, with the Gospel. Not just in helping people know who Jesus is and what He has done, but helping them grow in their faith and become witnesses for Him. That is called discipleship, which is a command from God to all of us. Last week specifically, we ended with this statement:

– SEND them out on mission

– In other words, we need to help them map their mission to impact others with the Gospel story (this is replication)

Today and next week, I want to talk about how to make that happen. And the one clear understanding we must all have about discipleship, about SENDING them, is this:

TO SEND IS TO SERVE, TO SERVE IS TO GIVE, TO GIVE IS TO LOVE

Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

TO SEND IS TO SERVE

1. Serving is the antidote to selfishness

– vs 13b But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

2. Serving is picture of God’s command (the great commandment)

– vs 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

3. Serving will keep us together – division will dissipate

– vs 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

SERVE
– serve them by helping them walk in the way and the word
– START book
– Group Life
– Serve TOGETHER

TO SERVE IS TO GIVE

4. Giving Is The Pathway To Abundant Joy

– vs 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

5. Giving Is A Sign Of Spiritual Maturity

– vs 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

6. Giving Is A Calling From God

– vss 6-7 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

7. Giving Is A Response To Your Love For Christ

– vs 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

Next week, we’re going to talk about what giving really is…

February 18, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Maker: What does the walk look like?

SermonNotes

2018-02-11

Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: John 9:25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

Two Weeks Ago:
1. Know who you are
2. Know who they are
3. Know what your job is

Last Week:
1. Identify them
2. Pray for them
3. Tell Them
4. Invest in them
5. Walk with them

John 9:6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?” 9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” He said, “I am he.” 10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”

What does that walk look like?

TELL– the Gospel story, pray for them, invite and invest, show God’s love to them

GROW – help them grow in their obedience to God’s Word, invite them to church/group, START book

SEND – help them do with others what you’ve just done with them

1. Tell them the Gospel story

Vs 11b …So I went and washed, and I received sight.”

Vs 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

– The greatest waste in life is not a person who has failed but a person who never tried

– The distance between a missed opportunity and making a massive difference is one simple step

2. Help them grow in their awareness of, and identity in, Christ

vs 26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.

– The hope we have in Christ should be enough to make us want to let others know

3. SEND

– Help them map their mission

Vs 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” 38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

What are the simple steps you can take today?

1. a call, a visit, a letter

2. Stopping to notice

3. Engaging

February 11, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Maker: Come See A Man…

SermonNotes

2018-02-04
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verses:
John 4:28-29
The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

Last week:
Know who you are…
Know who they are…
Know what your job is…

John 4:1 (NLT)
Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” 15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” 16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” 21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” 27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

1. Identify them

– family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, fellow students

– all of them are people for whom Jesus died (2 Peter 3:9)

2. Pray for them – No one call tell your story but you, and if you don’t…

Romans 10:1-4
Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

3. Tell them your story – No one call tell your story but you, and if you don’t…

vs 28-29 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

Acts 26:15-18 Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

4. Invest in them

– Spending time with them, helping them follow Jesus

Matthew 28:19-20a Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…

– nothing to fear because He will give you everything you need

Vs 20b And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

5. Walk with them

– Recognize you will grow as you help them grow

February 4, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Maker: Where Do I Start?

SermonNotes

2018-01-28

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9-10 (NLT)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

Last week, we started our series, Difference Makers, talking about the God-given duty and responsibility we all have to make a difference – a positive difference – in our world today through the Gospel. We discussed the four characteristics of a difference maker:

1. They change their thinking

2. They put others first

3. They look for ways to help

4. They start from the perspective of Christ.

Where do I start?

1. Know who you are

– a Christ follower

– What is a Christ Follower

A. One who has believed and received the Gospel story of Jesus [His death, burial, resurrection], has followed Jesus in baptism, is obeying all that Jesus taught, and is helping others do the same

– The Gospel story (Good News)

1 Corinthians 15:1-4a Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…

– Believing and Receiving

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

Romans 10:9-13 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

B. One who is loving God with their heart, soul, mind, strength and loving others like Jesus

Matthew 22:37
Jesus said to him, ” ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

2. Know who they are

– those whom Christ died for

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

– Look at the people with whom you live, work, and play near

– Make a prayer list of those people you know who are far from God or don’t know God and pray fervently for them

3. Know what your job is

– To Tell

– “Go into all the world…”

January 28, 2018/by TRBC Media

Difference Makers: What does it mean?

SermonNotes

2018-01-21

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

John 20:21b Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.

God has called us all to be Difference Makers in our world today. These verses, and many others throughout the Bible, clearly indicate we have a responsibility to impact our world for Christ. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to talk about how we can make sure we are fulfilling our God-given mission.

The TRBC Mission Statement:

To Change Our World By Developing Christ Followers Who Love God and Love People!

What does it mean to be a difference maker?

Nehemiah 1:1-4 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” 4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

The definition of a difference maker

1. Changes their thinking

– negative thinking will always lead to negative results

– positive thinking will always lead to positive results

– Nehemiah could have responded to the reports of those in Jerusalem with the attitude that nothing could be done, there’s no use.

2. Puts others first

– humility

– care and concern for others

– Nehemiah – “sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

3. Looks for ways to help

– not a critic

– sees every challenge or problem as an opportunity to make things, and others, better

– Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

4. Starts from the perspective of Christ

– sees things, and people, the way Christ does

– LOVES PEOPLE, USES THINGS

– a difference maker has a heart for the hurting (Nehemiah)

– a difference maker has a heart for the lost (Christ)

– Matthew 9:35-38 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

– A Christ Follower

– One who has believed and received the Gospel story of Jesus [His death, burial, resurrection], has followed Jesus in baptism, is obeying all that Jesus taught, and is helping others do the same

– One who is loving God with their heart, soul, mind, strength and loving others like Jesus

January 21, 2018/by TRBC Media

Our Response To Christ’s Church

SermonNotes

2018-01-14

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Last week, we talked about the church. We focused on what the church really is and used the Bible to give us a clearer description of the church. Today, I want to talk about our response to knowing what the church truly is. But first, let’s revisit what we talked about last week:

1. The church is God-ordained

2. The church is not a building, it’s you

3. Jesus is the Head of the church

4. Jesus gave us the plan for the church

5. Jesus gave us the keys to the church

So in knowing these truths about the church and having a deeper understanding of the importance of the church, what should we do?

1. We are required to carry out His plan

– the Great Commission

Matthew 28:19a Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…

– tell grow send

2. We are required to serve within the church

Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

(NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹²Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ

– the responsibility every leader within the church has is to help the church (all of us) do the work of building up the church

3. We are required to baptize believers

Matthew 28:19b …baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

-Baptism is an “ordinance” of the church – or “an act we must perform” per the Word of God.

– Matthew 3:15 “it is fitting”, “NLT says “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”

4. We are required to remember how Christ established the church

– through the broken body & shed blood of Jesus Christ!

– Communion is an ordinance of the church

I Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

5. We are required to pray that the world would believe

1 Timothy 2:3-7a For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

Luke 10:1-2 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

– In other words, we actually are required to care about the world

– We must have the same desire Christ has, to see the world come to know Him

– 2 Peter 3:9 “not willing that any should perish”

– Luke 19:10 – “the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”

WE ARE REQUIRED TO…

…TELL our salvation story to all

…GROW others in their walk with Christ

…SEND ourselves and others out into the world to let them know

January 14, 2018/by TRBC Media

A New Day In The Old Way

SermonNotes

2018-01-07
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

What is the church?
Why is the church important?
Is it still relevant today?
Do I really need to be a part of the church?

These are questions that many people ask often about the church. Today, on the first Sunday of the year, it might be good for us to review our understanding of what makes the church the church.

Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

1. The church is God-ordained
(vs 18b I will build My church)

– Jesus builds our church

– church (ekklesia) A group called out for a particular purpose

– what we do here is not a construct of man, it is a God-ordained, God-planned movement

– And, when done according to His plan, there’s no stopping it!

(vs 18c and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.)

2. The church is not a building or an organization, it’s YOU!

I Corinthians 1:1-3 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

– “the church” is not a specific place, title, denomination…it is “a group called out for a particular purpose”

– meaning, WE ARE THE CHURCH

(vs 2a To the church of God which is at Corinth)

3. Jesus is the Head of the church

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

– The “head” (kay-FALL-ay) the leader, one responsible to care for

– “preeminence” (pro-TOO-oh) the first, the most prominent

– Any time that anything is placed in higher priority or importance than the proclamation of the Gospel and the preeminence of Christ in a church, the church ceases to be the church Jesus talked about in Matthew 16:18

4. Jesus gave us the plan for the church

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

– the teaching, the gathering, the fellowship, the praying, the serving

– Worship, Bible teaching, Lifegroups, personal growth, service=

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

– The acting? The proclamation of the Gospel

– Outreach, missions, camping ministry, personal evangelism

5. Jesus gave us the keys to the church

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

– The keys? Belief in Jesus Christ as the only savior of the world!

Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

January 7, 2018/by TRBC Media

Pressing On

SermonNotes

2017-12-31

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:1 (NLT) Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

1. The past should stay there

– vs 13a No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past

A. Our beliefs about the past

– Hanging on to our past guarantees a difficult future

– Regrets from yesterday will translate into regrets tomorrow

– Allowing the failures of yesterday to write today’s narrative will lead to tomorrow’s pain

– we’re not good enough (vs 2)

– following the narrative of our beliefs could never be enough (vss 4-6)

– all of it is worthless (vs 7)

– following the narrative of our beliefs could never be enough (vss 4-6)

– all of it is worthless (vs 7)

B. What we should believe

– knowing Christ is all there is (vs 8)

– this should be our goal in 2018 – One With Him (vs 9)

– faith

2. The goal is clear

– Knowing Him

vs 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

– Serving Him

– Being honest with ourselves

vs 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

3. The goal? Pursuit of Christ and the Promise of Heaven

Vs 13-14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Things to do:

S (specific), M (measurable), A (awe inspiring), R (relevant), T (timed)

1. Set specific time to meet God (Prayer, Bible reading/study)

2. Set specific goals of enhancing relationships (family, friends, coworkers, strangers)

3. Set specific ways to serve (giving self, giving stuff)

4. Set specific goals of making yourself better (health, knowledge, wisdom)

5. Set specific goals of handling your finances more responsibly (“act your wage”)

December 31, 2017/by TRBC Media

Christmas Eve – The Light of the World

SermonNotes

2017-12-24

Jonathan Falwell

* Wonderful – the wonder of Christmas season is nothing compared to the wonder He brings

* Counselor – When life falls apart and we don’t know what to do, He came to be the One to guide us through our most difficult day

* Mighty God – With Him, nothing is impossible

* Everlasting Father – In the loneliness of life, He is the one with always open arms

* Prince of Peace – In the midst of chaos, He is the constant source of peace

He is all of these things, but so much more. He is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. He is your light in the midst of all the darkness we face.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.

* “land of the shadow of death” – Heb. 9:27, …appointed unto man once to die
Rom 5:12 …through one man..death entered

* We are all in the land of the shadow of death

* We need LIGHT

“A light has shined” is the image of what the birth of Christ would mean for us all. And, oh how that light is needed.

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

The wise men came to see this baby born as the light of the world.

Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Sad words indeed. The light shines, but world didn’t understand. The story of Christmas is the light that shines to take away the darkness from the world, from you!

Will you let Him?

December 24, 2017/by TRBC Media

The Point of Christmas: From Fear to Peace

SermonNotes

2017-12-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key verse: Luke 2:10-11 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-18 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

1. The shepherds were not expecting this arrival (vs 9a)

– Why these shepherds? Some believe the shepherds were watching the sheep that would be used for the sacrifices at the Temple (Mishna)

– This was their daily routine of watching, protecting the animals from all dangers to ensure they were able to fulfill their destiny

– The angel changed their routine, and changed their destiny

2. Fear was the first response (vs 9b)

– no one can blame the shepherds for their response, this wasn’t a normal occurrence in the hills of Bethlehem

– this was a disruption of what was normal which causes fear in most people

3. Alleviating fear requires listening (vss 10-14)

– the implication is that the shepherds clearly listened to the Angel’s pronouncement

– in our daily journeys, we too often fail to listen to the message because we are gripped in fear over the disruption

– Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

4. When fear vanishes, peace arrives (vss 15-16)

– as the shepherds listened to the angel, immediately their fear was replaced by wonder and amazement…because God’s power and glory was revealed

– what a great lesson for all of us!

5. When peace arrives, there’s a story to tell (vss 17-18)

– “the saying” – meaning this was the messiah

– “GOOD TIDINGS” (evangelizō) which means to preach the good news, the Gospel

– vs 11 – For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

– about 700 years before Jesus was born, this messianic prophecy was given

Micah 5:2-5 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” ³Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel. ⁴And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; ⁵And this One shall be peace.

– and so they couldn’t help but go, and tell

The point of Christmas is that Christ came to cover our sins, to alleviate our fear, to fill us with peace and to send us to tell the world.

December 17, 2017/by TRBC Media

The Point of Christmas Is… SACRIFICE

SermonNotes

2017-12-10
Matt Willmington / Harold Willmington

Memory Verse:
Genesis 22:14
And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Genesis 22:1-14 (NKJV)
1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off.
5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.
7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.”
12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

QUESTION: What do you have to put on the altar?

December 10, 2017/by TRBC Media

The Point of Christmas – The Covering

SermonNotes

2017-12-03

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:

Hebrews 10:5

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.”

Hebrews 10:1-18 (NLT)

The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. 2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. 3 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’ ” 8 First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” 18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

The point of Christmas – The Covering

1. All have sinned (vs 1)

– 1 The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship

2. We needed an out (vs 2)

– 2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared

3. The old way was never enough (vss 3-4)

– 3-4 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins

4. We needed a covering (vs 5)

– 5 That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer

– Genesis 3:6-11 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

5. Jesus paid it all

– 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.

– 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

December 3, 2017/by TRBC Media

The Heart of Thanksgiving

SermonNotes

The Heart of Thanksgiving
2017-11-26

Key Verse:
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The Heart of Gratitude

1. Be different (vs 12)

– the world has a picture of what life is supposed to be like, God’s plan is different

2. Be caring (vs 13-14)

– the world is hurting, make a difference

– help one another

– forgive one another

– love one another

3. Be together (vs 15)

– peace and thankfulness go together

4. Be consistent (vs 16-17)

– have a heart of gratitude to God for all He has done

– let your life be a picture of gratitude in how you act, serve, live

November 26, 2017/by TRBC Media

Tiny Giants: Jude – Remaining Faithful

SermonNotes

2017-11-19

Memory Verse: Jude v20-21

²⁰ But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. 2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. 3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. 4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. 7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment. 8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) 10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. 11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. 12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. 14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones 15 to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want. 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

1. How you live really does matter

– vs 4. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

– many today believe that they are free to do whatever they want to do because of what Christ has done

– truth of the matter is that we are free NOT to do the things of the world because of what Christ has done. We have been set free, no longer slaves to sin.

– Romans 6:6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

2. Living right is always under attack

– vs 12-13 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves.

– vs 16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

– it is not politically correct to live right, do it anyway

– do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of verse 16

3. We must remain faithful and fruitful

– vs 20-23 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

How?

a. Encouragement

– vs 20a … build each other up in your most holy faith…

– be a person who genuinely cares for others and wants to help

– don’t tear others down for the purpose of making you look better

b. Prayer

– vs 20c … pray in the power of the Holy Spirit

– prayer actually does make a difference

– Acts 4:31 says, “And when they prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.” God shook them physically and spiritually. I believe that our churches today could use a good spiritual “shaking.” The early Christians prayed, God shook them by filling them with the His Spirit, and then he shook the world as they witnessed boldly for Christ.

God ministered to through them to perform mighty miracles. There was no way to they were going to keep silent. They had “seen and heard” too much from their Lord. Their lives had been radically changed. It all began with prayer! Perhaps if we would pray as they did, we too would be “shaken.” We just might “see and hear” more from the Lord then we do presently – Steve Gaines

c. Outreach

– vs 22b-23a … show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others…

d. Remaining true

– vs 23c … but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

* https://prayforrevival.wordpress.com/tag/steve-gaines/

November 19, 2017/by TRBC Media

Tiny Giants – 3 John: Do What’s Right

SermonNotes

2017-11-12
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: 3 John 3-4 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Today we continue our study of the the shortest books of the Bible. We’ve looked at Philemon, 2 John and today we move to the shortest of all the books in the Bible…3 John. This book was written by John in the late first century, probably around 90 A.D. from the city of Ephesus. John, as the last living apostle wrote this letter to help strengthen the local church and to provide guidance on how to act within the church. While 1900 years old, this book is timely as the same struggles and challenges continue to exist within the modern day church.

3 John 1 (NLT) This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth. 9 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 12 Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth. 13 I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. 14 For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be with you. Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.

1. Someone who encourages (vss 1-8) – Gaius

– 3 John 3 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

– Gaius had a good reputation (vs 3a)

– he was living in the truth of God’s Word (vs 3b)

– he was helping and serving others (vss 5-6)

– This is a picture of what was right in the early church

2. Someone to avoid (vss 9-11) -Diotrephes

– 3 John 9-10 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

-he was filled with pride (vs 9)

– he rejected others’ wisdom and leadership

– he spread gossip about those in church

– he sought ways to hurt them

– This is a picture of what was very wrong in the early church

3. Someone to emulate (vs 12) – Demetrius

– 3 John 12 Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.

– Gaius was given the right example in how to continue to live and lead

– vs 11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good

Lessons we can learn from 3 John:

1. Follow the example of Christ in serving and encouraging others

2. Be careful to never fall into the trap of pride

– seeing yourself as more important than others in the church is the first

step towards being the modern day pharisee

3. Surround yourself with the right kind of Christ followers as this will make

everyone better

November 12, 2017/by TRBC Media

Tiny Giants: Truth In Love

SermonNotes

2017-11-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: 2 John 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.

2 John 1 (NLT) This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth-as does everyone else who knows the truth-2 because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever. 3 Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ-the Son of the Father-will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. 4 How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded. 5 I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. 6 Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. 7 I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. 9 Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. 11 Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. 12 I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete. 13 Greetings from the children of your sister, chosen by God.
This letter is a clear statement against the common misconception in today’s world that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. John emphasizes the importance of truth and of love, but he defines love in the clearest of terms meaning obedience to God’s Word, which is truth.

1. The encouragement of truth (vs 1-3)

Verse 3a Grace, mercy, and peace…

– Truth is not subjective, it is objective. It is not something you decide on your own, it is given from the beginning.

– …because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever. (vs 2)

– Today’s world determines to decide truth based on feelings, situations, and desires.

– Truth is based on truth (God’s Word) John 14:6

2. The requirement of love (vs 4-6)

– Truth and love go hand in hand. It is impossible to truly love without loving in truth.

Verse 4a I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another…

– HOW DO WE LOVE? WHAT DOES LOVE REALLY MEAN?

Verse 6 Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

– Love is not accepting what the world says regardless of what God’s Word says.

– Love is obeying God’s Word by reflecting it to the world.

– Is it truly love if we accept the sin of another without trying to speak truth into their lives?

3. The importance of discernment (vs 7-11)

Verse 7a I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world.

– The world, and the church, is full of deceivers who have subverted God’s Word to allow for that which disobeys God’s Word.

Verse 8a Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve.

– Acceptance of sin and bad theology is a sure way to slow or destroy the work of a church and of a believer.

Verse 8b Be diligent

– Know truth by being IN GOD’S WORD so we can spot deceit the moment it walks in.

– The world’s call for tolerance is based on a false view of love.

– Are we really showing God’s love if we are not really showing God’s truth?

– Allowing someone to continue in sin without showing them truth, in love, will lead to their ultimate destruction. That is not love!

Verses 10-11 If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. 11 Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.

4. The value of fellowship (vs 12-13)

Verse 12b For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

– This is a first century encouragement to develop real relationships, not just virtual ones.

– God’s design is one that involves fellowship, iron sharpening iron.

November 5, 2017/by TRBC Media

Tiny Giants: Mercy Matters

SermonNotes

2017-10-29
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Philemon 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Today, we’re going to begin a a short series, just three weeks, focusing on some small books in the New Testament. They’re not small in content or impact, just small in size. We’ve entitled this series, Tiny Giants, and today we’re going to spend time in the book of Philemon, the third shortest book in the Bible (335 words.) Next week, we will move to 2 John (245 words) and then conclude the series with 3 John (219 words.)

Philemon 1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, 2 and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. 8 That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. 10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. 11 Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. 12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. 13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! 20 Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. 21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! 22 One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. 24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Mercy Matters

1. The Right Testimony

Verses 4-7 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

– Philemon was a church leader who found Christ through Paul, probably in Ephesus

– The church actually met in his home

– His testimony was one that had even reached Paul, in prison, in Rome (1300 miles)

– Our testimony is an important part of our faith walk as it allows us to be known for the things of God

– Paul wrote this letter to bring healing to a tense situation and to restore fellowship

2. The Right Response

Verse 8 That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

Verse 10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison

– Key phrase is here is “That is why…” Paul was asking based on what he already knew about Philemon’s character

– Onesimus was a thief, a deserter, and according to Roman law, could have been legally and rightfully punished for his actions.

– Yet, Paul said the right thing to do was forgive and restore

3. The Right Action

Verse 21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!

– Here is the concept of “over-deliver”

– Paul knew it was the right thing to do, but he desired for Philemon to not only forgive but to restore and to develop a relationship that had never existed before

– This was not “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget” (1 Cor. 13 – no record of wrongs)

4. The Right Example

Verse 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

– Key word – GRACE

This short book is a picture of how to deal with the certain conflicts of life with others, from both perspectives. Paul knew it was the right thing to do for Philemon to forgive and restore. But, Paul also knew it was the right thing to do for Onesimus to go back. Onesimus didn’t have to tell Paul of his wrongdoing, but he did. Every element of this story is a great example of how to do everything right.

October 29, 2017/by TRBC Media

START: Taking the Next Step of Service

SermonNotes

2017-10-22

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse:
John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

Today, we conclude our brief series entitled START: Taking the Next Step From The Step You’re On. We’ve talked about awareness of our security in Him, the security of His Word, the power of prayer, and fighting for what really matters. Today, I want to conclude by discussing how to take the next step of service. The church should never be a haven for placeholders but rather a launching pad for world changers! This comes through service.

John 13:4 (NLT) So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

The Next Step of Service

1. Putting Jesus First

– serving others is not done for a feeling of self worth or validation, it is done as an expression of love for Christ

– Matthew 25:40 And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’’

2. Putting Others First

– Phil 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

How?

1. With what you have

– vs 4-5 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him

– Don’t wait until you feel you are equipped to serve, serve now!

2. With what you know

– vs 6-8 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

– we are all uniquely gifted in certain ways and can use those gifts and that knowledge for the Kingdom

3. With Christ as the model

– vs 13-15 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

– Jesus stepped out of the role of leader/teacher to serve the Disciples in a way that the world would have looked down upon, yet He did so not just to teach a lesson, but because it is the right thing to do.

What’s next?

1. Pray

– Pray about what opportunities are around you every day where you can serve

2. Offer

– Take a step of faith and simply offer to serve

3. Try

– If at first you don’t “like it” try something else! Practice makes perfect!

October 22, 2017/by TRBC Media

START: A Fight Worth Fighting

SermonNotes

2017-10-15
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 5:15
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

We live in a world that always seems to be fighting. Fighting in the workplace, fighting online, fighting at home and fighting within. Today, I’d like us to spend some time focusing on fights that are actually worth fighting.

1. FIGHT FOR YOUR HEART

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

– Make what you care about what God cares about

– Proverbs 4:24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. (NLT)

2. FIGHT FOR YOUR MIND

Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

– Don’t let the world define who you are based on the world’s ideas of right and wrong

– The world today bombards us with images and ideas that are intended to take our minds where they should not be. RESIST

– Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (NLT)

3. FIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY

Eph 5:25 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

– Lead by example, not by status. Being the spiritual head of the household doesn’t make you the dictator. It just makes you the primary servant.

– The world is desperately trying to destroy your family, serve as the protector within the home.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NKJV)

4. FIGHT FOR THE CHURCH

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

– Don’t let the world define for you what it looks like to be a leader, look to the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

– Matthew 16:18 tells us the gates of hell can’t prevail against the church, but that requires the church to PUSH! Are you?

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.

October 15, 2017/by TRBC Media

START: Prayer Matters

SermonNotes

START: Prayer Matters

2017-10-08

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:

1 John 5:14

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

WE continue a brief series we started two weeks ago entitled START: Taking the Next Step from the Step You’re On. This is really a refresher on a few of the basics of our faith walk. Two weeks ago, we talked about our security in God’s hand. Last week, we talked about the importance of God’s Word. Today, let’s talk about prayer.

15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Prayer Matters

1. Prayer is talking to God your Father

– 1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

– Prayer is actually the ability we have to talk to the One who created us, and everything

– Unfortunately, many treat prayer as a ritual rather than an unbelievable privilege

2. Prayer is a conversation

– Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

– It is an actual conversation where we can find the help and hope we need

3. Prayer is powerful

– James 5:16b …the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

– It actually works, it makes a difference

How do I pray?

– Luke 11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

1. Know who God is

… Luke 11:2a So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name…”

2. Recognize the importance of God’s plan

– Luke 11:2b …Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

3. Know that God cares about you

– Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4. Be in the right place for prayer

– Luke 11:4a And forgive us our sins…

5. Be in the right attitude for prayer

– Luke 11:4b …For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

6. Seek God’s leading in your life

– Luke 11:4c …And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.

7. Be thankful for everything

– Luke 17:17 – Jesus taught us that simply saying thanks is important

– He healed ten but only one came back to say thanks

– How many times have we ignored the blessings of God?

October 8, 2017/by TRBC Media

START: The Power of the Word

SermonNotes

2017-10-01
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Today, we’ll continue talking about how to take the next step from the step you’re on in regards to your faith walk by talking about God’s Word. Last week, we focused on our assurance. It is vital if we are going to walk the path that God has for us, we must recognize the keeping power of God. Today, we’ll talk about the incredible way that God speaks to us and guides us along the journey.

THE POWER OF THE WORD – Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God is living (zah-oh – full of life) and powerful (ener-gais – able to make things happen, bring them about)…

– Inspiration – God breathed out His Word

– Inerrancy – every word is accurate and absolute

– Infallible – absolutely trustworthy, exempt from error

Our response to the living and powerful Word…

1. Read what it says

– 16a All Scripture is given by inspiration of God

“It is God’s present Voice which makes His written word all-powerful. Otherwise it would lie locked in slumber within the covers of a Book.” – A.W. Tozer

– Reading the Word of God is the only way to discover the Will of God. If you’re trying to discover God’s Will for your life without reading God’s Word for your life, you’re wasting your time.

2. Learn what it means

– 16b …and is profitable for doctrine (teach us what is right), for reproof (convict, show us what is wrong), for correction (teach us how to fix it)…

– We must be diligent in studying God’s Word in order to find its meaning and application

– We can do this through church, Bible studies, life groups, books, radio/tv

“God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years.” – A.W. Tozer

– Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

– Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

3. Put it into practice

– 16c …for instruction in righteousness

– 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

– Our lives, or more importantly, our success in life is directly dependent on how we put God’s Word into practice in our daily lives

– If we are not actually applying His Word to life, we not only will fail, we are living in sin

– James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

“It is one thing to know that the Scripture is the Sword of the Spirit, but it another thing to know how to use it effectively. God expects us to use the Sword, not merely hang it up as a decoration.” – Rev. Jerry Falwell

I Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

October 1, 2017/by TRBC Media

START: How Can I Be Sure?

SermonNotes

2017-09-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Last week, we talked about suffering. Why does it exist? Why is this world so broken? Simply put, why God? We took time to examine how the brokenness of this world is not God’s fault, it’s ours. We landed last week in Romans 8 talking about the promise of God that nothing can separate us from His love. That is what I’d like to talk about today…How can we be sure?

Romans 8:39b …(nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:1-9 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

How can I be sure?

The Holy Spirit regenerated, sealed, baptized, and indwells—and prays for us. The Son was crucified, resurrected and intercedes for us forever. Finally, the Father said the elect would never perish (John 3:16, 10:27-29), thirst (Jn 4:14), be judged (1 Corinthians 1:8,9), die spiritually (Jn 8:52), or be forsaken (Philippians 1:6, Heb 13:5)

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

1. Because I can do nothing to secure my own salvation – John 14

2. Because He has declared us righteous through Justification

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

3. Because Jesus has us firmly in His grip

Hebrews 7:23-25 (NLT) There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. 24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

From our newly published START book: Reading 1 John is meant to help with our assurance. Guard your feelings to deal with the emotional fear and know the facts to confront the mental doubt. As 1 John shows, true Christians have these marks in their life, either past or present:

Hebrews 7:23-25 (NLT) There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. ²⁴But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. ²⁵Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ³⁰I and My Father are one.”

From our newly published START book: Reading 1 John is meant to help with our assurance. Guard your feelings to deal with the emotional fear and know the facts to confront the mental doubt. As 1 John shows, true Christians have these marks in their life, either past or present:

1. You will want to know Him (1:3,4), look forward to seeing Him (3:2,3), and relate to Him by His Spirit within them (4:13).

2. Convicted of your sin (1:5-10), despise their sin (2:15), and practice sin less and less (3:5,6).

3. Seek fellowship with other Christians (1:3,4; 3:14).

 4. Understand the power of prayer – They have seen prayer work and had God answer their prayer (3:22, 5:14,15).

5. Recognize the importance of God’s Word – They believe Scripture (5:1-2), know what is not Scripture (4:1-3), and want to obey Scripture (2:3-5).

September 24, 2017/by TRBC Media

Why Then Do We Suffer?

SermonNotes

2017-09-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Romans 8:18 NKJV
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Life is full of trouble and pain. Often, we are left wondering why. Questions fly over how God could allow such suffering to take place if He is a loving God, or does He even exist at all. Today, let’s spend some time asking the question, WHY?

Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.

Job 14:1 Man that is born of woman is of full days and full of trouble

1. This World Is Not What God Intended

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.

– God created a perfect world and a perfect world must include choice

– A perfect world could not include forced servitude and worship

– Garden of Eden created a perfect place (Genesis 2:9 – every good tree, pleasant to sight)

– ¹⁵Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. ¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; ¹⁷but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” – Proof of man’s ability to choose good or evil

– Through an act of choice, sin entered into the world. Through that one act, the world

was forever changed.

– The world, and everything in it, are still God’s perfect creation but we messed it up, and we still do

“The problem of reconciling human suffering with the existence of God who loves, is only insoluble so long as we attach a trivial meaning to the word ‘love’ and look on things as if man were the centre of them.”

(The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis)

2. Even Still There Is Hope

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

– Our hope is found in looking not at the pain and suffering of today but in the joy and promise of what is to come. But it requires patience.

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

3. Our God Is Still In Control And Taking Care Of Us

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

– In the midst of the pain of this world, we remain fully in the perfect love of God

– Adrian Rogers said, “Sin is not just breaking the laws of God, it is breaking the heart of God.”

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world…No doubt Pain as God’s megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion. But it gives the only opportunity the bad man can have for amendment. It removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.”

(The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis)

September 17, 2017/by TRBC Media

“Nothing is impossible with God”

SermonNotes

2017-09-10
Ben Guttierez

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

What type of person Does God use? Does a person of real influence have to be a ‘perfect’ person? What determines if we are going to do great things for God? Can God use me? Answer: God Can Use Anybody! God is the forgiver of sins & the determiner of one’s mission in life. If we submit our hearts and lives to God, God can use us to bring Him great glory. God uses a heart that has humbly confessed all sin and desires forgiveness by God. God uses a heart that is submissive to His Will. God can receive glory from a heart that is totally committed to living for Him. Therefore, God Can Use Anybody! We need only submit to Him in all things. You can be used of God! You don’t have to be experienced in ministry, professional, perfect, or sinless. As long as you have a submissive heart that remains sensitive to the Holy Spirt, God Can Use You!

Matthew 10:2-4

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these:
The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

Matthew 9:9

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me!”
And he got up and followed Him.

Luke 3:12-13

12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them,
“Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

Luke 18:10-11, 13a

10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector… 13a “But the tax collector, standing afar off was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’”

Luke 5:27

After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth.

Matthew 9:9  As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth…

Matthew 9:1-6

1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city. 2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your SINS are FORGIVEN.” 3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your SINS are FORGIVEN,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to FORGIVE SINS”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”

Matthew 9:10-13

10 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many TAX COLLECTORS and SINNERS came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the TAX COLLECTORS and SINNERS?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are SICK. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS [to REPENTANCE].”

Matthew 16:26

For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Luke 7:34

“Jesus…is a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”

Matthew 19:26

…With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

September 10, 2017/by TRBC Media

The Believer’s Exciting Future!

SermonNotes

2017-09-03

Dr. Ed Hindson

Memory Verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Dr. Ed Hindson, Dean of the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University will speak on, “The Believer’s Exciting Future.” He will point over seven key promises in the Bible that clearly predict our eternal future from the Rapture to the New Jerusalem. These seven promises will bless your heart and fill you with wonderful anticipation of our eternal home in heaven.

1. Rapture

“We which are alive and remain shall be caught up…”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

2. Bride to the Father’s House

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

John 14:2-3

3. Judgment Seat of Christ

“We shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the things done in the body.”

2 Corinthians 5:10

4. Marriage of Lamb

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

Revelation 19:7-8

5. Triumphal Return

“The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and 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

7. Eternal City

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

Revelation 21:1-2

September 3, 2017/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith – Jonah

SermonNotes

2017-08-27
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

Today, we conclude our Summer series, A Flannelgraph Faith: Reframing the Familiar, with one of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament. The story of Jonah and the Whale (even though whale is not used in the Bible.) This is another of the great stories of God’s provision and protection. Although this one has a slightly different twist. Unlike Daniel and Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego who were protected for the faithfulness, Jonah was protected even through his lack of faithfulness.

What can we learn from this great story?

1. God’s Call Trumps Our Comfort

Jonah 4:2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”

– Jonah fled from the call of God because it didn’t fit in his plan

– He questioned God’s call, but not God’s mercy

– Interesting that many of us today do the same thing

2. God’s Redemption Trumps Our Contempt

Jonah 4:7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?

– He wanted to see the evil get what they deserved rather than receive what God can freely give

– Unfortunately, that still happens today

– This is another great revelation that God is not willing that any should perish and that He is willing to “go the extra mile” to bring salvation

3. God’s Salvation Trumps Everything

Jonah 2:2 And he said, “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. 3 For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ 5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. 7 “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. 8 “Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.”

10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

– This prayer is a statement from Jonah within the fish that captures all of our stories, we have all been to that place of utter darkness and desperation, the question is whether we have cried out to Him for salvation

– God sent that fish to protect Jonah when he really didn’t deserve any protection, yet God was willing to make provision for Jonah despite Jonah’s sin of disobedience

– The key to this story is God’s care for the people of Ninevah, God’s call on the life of Jonah, and God’s forgiveness of both

August 27, 2017/by TRBC Media

Flannelgraph Faith: Daniel

SermonNotes

2017-08-20

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Daniel 6:27
He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders, In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Today, we build on the fantastic story of last week of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We now move to Daniel 6 and find him in a similar situation that these three found themselves last week. Different King, different conspirators, same old story. Jealousy leading to deception leading to what they hoped would be certain death. But God had a different plan.

Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

1. Being Faithful In The Tough Times Is Vital
Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

– Even when Daniel knew that he would pay a price for his faithfulness, he was faithful anyway

2. Our Faithfulness Will Be Noticed By Even Those Against Us
Daniel 6:16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.”

– The King knew that Daniel was firm in his trust in God

– The King probably didn’t agree that he would be saved, but he knew that Daniel believed it

3. Our Faithfulness Breeds Confidence When We Need It Most
Daniel 6:21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

4. Our Faithfulness Changes Others
Daniel 6:26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

– Daniel was comforted in knowing that the same God that had sustained him in the good times is the same God that would sustain him in the bad times

5. Our Faithfulness Is Only Possible When It Comes From The Heart
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

– Half hearted faith will never result in total victory

– Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself early in his life and it sustained him throughout his days

August 20, 2017/by TRBC Media