Ministers Corner

Lesson One: Phil. 1:1-6 A Church that brought Joy

Feb. 25, 2020

Every Christian should exhibit joy in their life because we have so much to be thankful for. Jesus makes it clear to us that He is the One who brings joy into our lives and that we choose whether or not we will have joy to the fullest by our "abiding in Him". (Jn 15:11)

After Jesus had received the seventy disciples that He had sent out on a mission trip, He saw that their joy was in the power of the Holy Spirit that He had given them. He makes it clear to them in Lu. 10:20, that instead of rejoicing in their power over the spirits, they should, "Rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Our salvation from our sins and the just penalty for those sins should be enough to make us joyful. After all eternal punishment is a terrible consequence for anyone. But for the Christian it is just as much the nature of one who has been born again.

Paul in 2 Cor. 5:17, tells us "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." When we emerge out of the waters of baptism we are "born again" (Jn.3:3-5) The Greek phrase that Jesus used in Jn.3:3 literally means "born anew". We are not what we used to be . This includes an attitude of joyful living. (Gal. 5:22)

This change is an ongoing process in which the Holy Spirit teaches us through our study of the Bible. Especially those teachings of Jesus found in the four Gospel accounts of His life, and the teachings of His Apostles and other writers of the New Testament who were guided by His Holy Spirit. (Jn.16:13, 2 Tim. 3:16,17, 2 Pe. 1:20,21)

When we learn what the Holy Spirit teaches us through God's word and we allow these teachings to guide us and change us, something wonderful happens. We are changed. We will live our lives differently. Now we are living our lives according to Christ's teachings. When this occurs we are showing the world behaviors that Paul in Gal. 5:22-25 calls the fruit of the Spirit. One of these fruits is joy. (Gal. 5:22)

Now read Phil. 1:1-6, Here Paul is writing to a church than ten years earlier he had started in the city of Philippi. Paul's work there is found in Acts 16:9-40. When you read about how Lydia, upon her baptism gladly opened her heart and her home to Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke, four total strangers, you see the immediate joy of her salvation.

Later when you read of the miracle earthquake and how the jailer immediately afterwards ministered to the needs of Paul and Silas. Then you read that after he and his family were baptized, he immediately took Paul and Silas into his house and fed them you see this great joy! These were the charter members of a church that brought Paul joy.

Over a period of time Paul experienced two financial gifts from the Philippian church that again brought him joy and showed their joy. Read in 2 Cor. 8:1-5 about the great generosity they showed when an offering was taken up for the saints in Judea. Also read in Phil. 4:10-18 about the gift they had sent Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. In these two passages we see how they brought joy to the Apostle Paul by giving joyfully.

Study Questions

1. In Phil. 1, what did Paul do every time he remembered the church at Philippi?

2. In Phil. 1, what emotion did Paul experience when he prayed for the Philippians?

3. In 2 Cor. 8, Paul speaks of the generosity of the Macedonian churches. What two qualities does he say "abounded in the riches of their liberality"?

4. In Phil. 4:10-18, What other churches in addition to the one in Philippi "shared with Paul concerning giving and receiving"?

5. In Acts 16, after the jailer had set food before Paul and Silas, what did he do?

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Lesson Two: A Love that Abounds in Knowledge and Discernment

Phil. 1:7-11, Mar. 2, 2020

Love is the dominant emotion in the life of any child of God. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 13:13, "And now abide faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love." Love is greater than our faith, because a loveless faith can never please God. Love is greater than our eternal hope, because before we can get to heaven we must know God. "He who does not love, does not know God, for God is love." 1 Jn. 4:8.

The Philippian church demonstrated to Paul a deep and genuine love. They loved the salvation they enjoyed in Christ; so they in turn, supported Paul as he preached the Gospel. (2 Cor. 8:1-5) They loved Paul so much that they sent a much needed gift to him while he was under arrest in Rome. (Phil. 4:14-18) When they heard that their minister Epaphroditus was sick near to death; they worried about him, and he worried about them. (Phil. 2:25-27)

You don't find this shared love for each other anywhere, but inside Christ's church. And the church at Philippi had this kind of love. So they lacked nothing, right? Not quite, in our lesson today, Paul prayed in Phil. 1:9, "And this I pray that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment."

You see, even with a great love for each other, a church must have a complete knowledge of the teachings and the will of Christ Jesus. Read Eph. 4:11-16. Here you find that Christ calls men to preach, teach and shepherd His church because all of us must be equipped for ministry. Each one of us in Christ must minister to the needs of others. Secondly, each of us is expected to "come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:13)

Christ wants us to become like Him! This will never happen unless we study His life and His teachings. Only then will we know how we should act and treat one another. Only then will the world see Christ in all that we do. (Gal. 2:20)

What is discernment? The definition of discernment is "the ability to judge or distinguish well." Discernment or judgment is necessary that we may know how to live our lives free from sin. Discernment is necessary within a church so we might worship God properly; as we see in the New Testament church. But as you might guess, you can't have discernment apart from a complete knowledge of God's word!

In Phil. 1:10,11, Paul tells us the necessity of having a love "that abounds in knowledge and all discernment." Then we will be "sincere and without offense". The word sincere means "without deceit." Many people try to deceive the Lord by acting religious, yet their lives are not truly changed.

Also, Paul notes that they and we will be "filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ". When we are baptized into Christ, we "put on Christ". (Gal. 3:27) When we put Him on we receive His righteousness which saves us. Yet there is still fruit that we must bear for the lord through our righteous lives. Why? Because our lives are a witness to the world for Christ Jesus. We are called to be "salt and light". (Mt. 5:13-16) This is the fruit of righteousness the world must see.

Study Questions

1. True or False, Eph. 4:12 tells us each of us must be "equipped for the work of ministry"?

2. True or False, Love is greater than faith and Hope?

3. True or False, You will never have the gift of discernment without a complete knowledge of God's word?

4. True or False, We can truly know God and still be without love for others?

5. True or False, Phil. 3:9 tells us we have Christ's righteousness if we are in Him?

6. True or False, if we have Christ's righteousness we will be a witness to the world for Christ?

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Lesson Three: Joy in spite of Opposition, Phil. 1:12-18

March 2, 2020

It is a blessed life we have as believers in Christ Jesus. Paul in Eph. 1:3, writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." You and I have the forgiveness of sins, we are now heirs to eternal life, our prayers are heard by God, we have the presence of God's Holy Spirit within us and we have a family of loving brothers and sisters known as the church.

Yet each of us will find that in this world we will have trouble (Jn.16:33). If we truly live a godly life, following the teachings of Christ we will face persecution of some kind. (2 Tim.3:12)

Sometimes we hear of brethren and missionaries in faraway countries who become martyrs for their witness to the Lord. While we know this is the risk that believers face daily in this sinful world, it still troubles us. When we ourselves are ridiculed or ostracized because of our faith, it can cause us to be less joyful. It's normal for us to desire acceptance and blessing over opposition and enmity.

Read Phil. 1:12-18. Still God uses opposition to accomplish His purposes in this world. Paul was very familiar with opposition and persecution (1 Thess. 2:2, 2 Cor. 11:24-28). Now as he was writing this letter to the Philippians, he was under house arrest in Rome. Waiting to be tried by Caesar. He was chained to a Roman soldier both night and day. He could not leave the house. It seemed that Paul's ministry was very limited. His very imprisonment seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle to his calling to preach the gospel.

But here in these verses we are told there was noteworthy fruit born of his house arrest and this made Paul rejoice. First, his preaching had been heard by the whole palace guard (1:13). Plus he had made some believers from the "household of Caesar" (4:21,22). Paul was still preaching and people were still responding to the gospel.

His continued work, even while under arrest had made other brethren in Rome more bold. (1:14). They were no longer fearful to preach the gospel in the capital city of the Roman Empire. So Paul also rejoiced in this fruit as well.

Ironically, there was a second form of opposition to Paul that had arisen, yet it still furthered the gospel. Look again at verses 15-18. In addition to bold men who were preaching the gospel because of Paul's example and from "goodwill", there was a second group of preachers. This group was preaching the gospel from "envy" and "self ambition", hoping to "add affliction to Paul's chains".

It seems they were opponents of Paul. Brethren who evidently were jealous of Paul's apostleship, his ministry and his success. Still Paul rejoiced! Why? Because Christ was still being preached. While they were jealous of Paul, they were still correct in what they taught. This stands to reason in light of what Paul stated in Gal. 1:6-8 about false gospels. Though under arrest, Paul rejoiced because the will of God was still being accomplished!

What are the things that steal your joy, oh Christian? Is your joy subject to your earthly circumstances? Do you need to be accepted and recognized to be a joyous Christian? True Christian joy is a product of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25) and not a product of our circumstance. Even when we are opposed, we like Paul should still rejoice! Phil.4:4

Study Questions

1. True or False, Jesus promised us a life free from trouble?

2. True or False, Paul's "chains" had furthered the Gospel?

3. True or False, Those who preached Christ from envy were preaching an incorrect or different Gospel?

4. True or False, Paul criticized those who preached Christ from "selfish ambition?"

5. True or False, There were no saints among the household of Caesar?

6. True or False, God can still work out His purpose in your life even when others oppose you?

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Lesson Four, To live is Christ, to die is gain, Phil.1:19-26

Mar. 4, 2020

Paul was being held prisoner in Rome at the time of his writing Philippians. He was under house arrest; chained to a Roman soldier around the clock. He was waiting to appear before the judgment seat of Caesar. While he could be released, he also knew he could be found guilty of sedition against the Empire and be put to death.

Read Phil. 1:19-26. When you read this text, you can't help but feel that Paul was so much stronger in his faith than you and I. After all, the consequences we face here in America will seldom result in our being killed for the faith. Paul had no fear in the prospect of his death, and neither should we.

The true believer in Christ is changed. Jesus tells us in Jn. 3:3, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." When one is born again they become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). A new life in Christ has begun. In Rom. 6:4, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." The verses that follow this one make it clear that we are dead to sin, which once held us captive."

But along with our salvation comes transformation. This transformation occurs because we now look at everything differently. Look at Rom. 12:2. Here Paul indicates that we must not continue to think and act like the worldly do. This is because our mind is being renewed. Now everything we do should serve God's purposes.

In Phil. 1:19,20, Paul expresses his confidence that one way or another, he will be delivered. The Greek word here in v.19 translated "deliverance" can mean either delivered up to death or delivered as in "saved from death." Paul realized that in his own death he could still magnify Christ! As Christians we "magnify Go" by our good works (Mt. 5:14-16). Christ is "magnified" when people's attention is shifted to God. Because of this, Paul would later challenge the Philippians to "shine like lights in the world." (Phil. 2:14-16)

In vv. 21-23, Paul arrives at the true lesson that you and I should learn from this text. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." As you can imagine this was a source of conflict for Paul. He truly wanted to die and "be with Christ." The faithful Christian only dies physically. At death his soul goes to be with the Lord in Paradise; a temporary dwelling place where they are with Christ until the day of judgment (2 Cor. 5:8, Lu.23:43). As good as our lives often are here in America, it can be hard for us to embrace death as Paul did. We should all see death in the same light as he did.

For Paul, if he was released and lived on it would mean the continuance of his ministry and more fruit that he could bear for Christ. We all need to bear fruit in our lives. Jesus shares God's expectation of the fruitfulness of our lives in Jn. 15: 1-8. Fruit comes when we engage ourselves in prayer, Bible study, fellowship and the Lord's Supper. It is also born when we bring others to Christ (Mt. 28:18,19).

Paul reaches a logical conclusion about his future in vv. 24-26. He now realizes that the great need that the churches, including Philippi had means he will be released and resume ministry. God had a purpose in Paul's life and ministry. Jesus, Himself defined it in Acts 9:15, "He is a chosen vessel of mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel." Paul realized he was still needed. Knowing this he was confident that he would one day return to the Philippians to bless them with his teaching.

All of us in Christ have a purpose. We all have different talents and gifts. Paul makes this pointy clear in 1 Cor. 12:14-31. Here he compares the church (the body of Christ) to the physical human body. Each part, though all members of the whole body have different functions. Have you asked God to show you His purpose for your life in the body of Christ?

Study Questions

1. True or False, Paul knew he would soon be executed by Caesar?

2. True or False, If Paul died he wouldn't see Christ until His Second coming?

3. True or False, The Christian is expected to bear fruit for God's glory?

4. True or False, Paul was confident that he still had a purpose in his living?

5. "rather to be absent from the body and to be _________________with the Lord." NKJV

6. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be_____________________by the renewing of your mind." NKJV

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Lesson Five: Concerns about our Conduct, Phil. 1:27-30

March 10, 2020

READ the Text. If you have ever taken the time to read about the planting of the church at Philippi in Acts 16:11-40, you realize that Paul spent very little time there before he was asked to leave town. So it seems only normal that Paul would wonder about these brethren and their walk with the Lord. Were they glorifying Christ in their lives? Would they remain united as one body? Would they stand fast in the face of opposition?

As we noted in our previous lesson, Paul has realized that he will be released from his imprisonment in Rome. But when, he did not know. Meanwhile he has a great concern for their faithfulness. So in 1:27-30, Paul tells them about the expected conduct of the believer.

In any and every circumstance they must "let their conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ." The Greek word for conduct is "polis", it means "as a citizen of". In 3:20 Paul also reminds them, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." The Christian is held to a higher standard of conduct than the citizens of the world. That standard is revealed to us in the Gospel accounts of Christ; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here, the Lord's teachings are revealed to us as well as His conduct. Christ alone is our model. This conduct cannot be expected of the non-believer, but only those who are "born again" in Christ. (Jn. 3:3, 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 8:5,6)

Paul also tells them in v.27, 'stand fast in one spirit, with one mind." This is a call for unity in the church. Jesus prayed to the Father in Jn. 17:20,21, for unity among all believers. However this unity must be based on God's word, the Bible. Prior to unity, Jesus had prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." (Jn.17:17)

The teachings of the New Testament is what we must believe and practice. Jude in Jude 3 states, "I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was, once for all delivered to the saints." The "faith" here is not what I choose to believe, but the whole body of teachings that God through His Holy Spirit gave us in the NT Scriptures. This must always be our basis for unity. A unity that is not grounded in the truth of God's word is compromise!

If the brethren in Philippi do these two things; conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and stand united for the faith, then they will not be "terrified of their adversaries." (v.28) The word for "terrified" actually means to "alarm" or "startle". When horses are startled they turn and run away. Paul is here reminding the brethren that they cannot run away from proclaiming the truth about Christ. There will always be opposition to the truth (Jn.15:18,19). But, those who seek to "suppress the truth" will one day face the wrath of God, (Rom.1:18).

For the believer who stands fast, opposition is a proof of the believer's salvation. To those who oppose the truth, their opposition is a proof of their "perdition" (destruction) (v.28). The believer must never compromise even in the face of persecution.

In vv.29,30, Paul reminds them and us that "God grants" that we not only have faith in Christ, but that we will suffer "for His sake". The Greek word rendered "grant" literally means "gift". Suffering for Christ is a "gift". I doubt if you have ever thought about suffering for Christ as such, but the Apostles did. Read Acts 5:40-42, though beaten, the Apostles "rejoiced." Later in 3:10, Paul states that he wants to know Christ completely, including to have knowledge of "the fellowship of His sufferings." It is in this sense that suffering is a "gift from God." Because we suffer as Christ suffered we have fellowship with Him.

Paul's final thought in v.30 is an assurance that it's okay to be conflicted about suffering. Paul did not embrace suffering anymore than you and I will. Pain and humiliation are against human nature. Paul reminds them of his own conflict which some of them had witnessed while he was in Philippi. Read Acts 16:35-38. Paul was outraged that he and Silas' rights as Romans had been violated! The tone he takes with the authorities is one of indignation. Paul's point is that it is alright for us to feel conflicted about suffering. In 2 Tim. 3:12, Paul reminds us, "Yes and all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." The blessings of Christ do not come without opposition and suffering!

Study Questions

1. Finish this statement: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the ______________________

___________________________________________."

2. Finish this statement: "that they may be all one, as you Father _____________________

__________________________________; that they also may be one in us."

3. True or False, Paul wanted the Philippians to run from their adversaries?

4. True or False, Opposition to the faith pof the Gospel is proof of your salvation?

5. True or False, Suffering for the sake of Christ is not a gift from God?

6. True or False, A Christian should have no conflict internally about suffering for the sake of Christ?

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Lesson six: Unity through Humility, Phil. 2:1-4

March 11, 2020

READ TEXT. Churches do many things to try to unify their members. Fellowship meals, group activities, small group Bible studies and visitation are all examples of how leaders of churches try to get their members to be like-minded.

The church at Philippi was a good church. They brought joy to Paul. (1:3,4) They were a loving church. (1:8,9) They were also a generous church; supporting Paul while he labored in Thessalonica (4:15), and while he was a prisoner in Rome. (4:18)

But Paul knew that they had weaknesses and he points to these weaknesses in 1:27-30. Paul worried about their conduct; whether it would glorify Christ. He worried if they would stand fast in spite of opposition. He also worried about there unity as well; would they be of "one spirit, with one mind."

Paul knew that true unity has only one source. It doesn't come externally from church activities like church activities. Instead the true force that promotes unity in the church is internal in nature. It comes from each member's experiences in Christ. so, here in our text, Paul points to four things that each believer should experience in our relationship with Christ. And if indeed we have experienced these four things in Christ; then these should provide the motivating force to maintain unity in the body of Christ.

The first of these motivating experiences is have we experienced any consolation or encouragement in Christ? Does the fact that He died for me give me any sense of encouragement? It should. After all "While we were still sinners Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8 But Christ doesn't leave us alone to falter in our daily life. Instead He "advocates for us before the Father". (1Jn. 2:1) Literally He pleads our case before the Father. So Paul reasons if we have received any consolation in these things Christ does for us, then it should motivate us to seek unity in the church.

Secondly, have we found any comfort or love in Christ? Does it comfort you when you read in Jn. 14:1-3, that Christ has left this world to "go and prepare a place for you"? That you might be with Him for all eternity? Do you find love and comfort knowing that absolutely nothing "can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus?" (Rom. 8:37-39) If it truly gives you comfort, then again you have every reason to strive for unity in the church.

Have you experienced fellowship of the Spirit in Christ? For the believer the Holy Spirit illuminates your study of God's word. (Eph. 1:16-21) The Holy Spirit also convicts us when our behavior is NOT what it should be. (Gal. 5:22-25) This work of the Spirit should cause us to bear fruit. If we have, then there is more motivation for us to be of "one accord" with our brethren.

Have you found any "affection or mercy" in Christ? Affection as used here is not a casual emotion. It is a deep felt love for one another. Again Christ loved you enough to die for you. The Father showed you affection and mercy in a most incomprehensible way. In Rom. 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for all of us, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" That's mercy! If you have experienced this in Christ then you will strive for unity in His church.

So this is the internal force of our experience in Christ that will cause us to preserve unity in the church. Paul then goes on to show us in vv.3, 4 the "marks" or evident behaviors that can be observed in a church that has unity from Christ and through Christ. They are attitudes that are displayed to other members of the church.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit." Life in the kingdom of Christ is about serving and not about our ambitions. Jesus made this lesson clear to the disciples in Jn. 13, when He washed their feet. Read what the Lord told them afterward in Jn. 13:12-17. A church filled with servants will be a strong and united church.

"Esteem others better than yourselves." This is humility. Paul says of Jesus in Phil. 2:7, "He made Himself of no reputation." It is human sinful nature that wants to be recognized as the best. Jesus had every reason and right to be served, but instead He served us by dying on the Cross for our sins!

Finally a church with unity will "look out for the interests of others." Paul in Gal. 6:2 reminds us, "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Bearing one another's burdens is not simply praying for another person, but helping them. Have you ever served someone else's needs?

Maybe helped an elderly member clean their home? Have you ever shared your Thanksgiving meal with a brother who had no family? Have you mowed the lawn for someone who is handicapped or elderly? Have you ever invited a new family over to your home to have dinner? These are all great ways to "bear one another's burdens." When you do this you also "fulfill the law of Christ." It's an attitude that leads to unity in the body of Christ. Actions speak louder than words.

Study Questions

1. What three concerns did Paul have about the church in Philippi?

2. Who does John say is "our Advocate with the Father?

3. What are the three "marks" of unity in the church?

4. What are three ways that you can "look out for the interests of others": in your church?

5. What did Paul tell the Philippians that they could do that would fulfill his joy?

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Lesson seven: Unity through Christ's example, Phil. 2:5-8

March 11, 2020

READ TEXT. In our last lesson Paul told us that unity within the church occurs when the members recognize the life changing experiences they have experienced in Christ. It's our experiences in Christ that supply our motivation to strive for unity. When the proper motivation is present, the members will give evidence of the effects of a changed life; the "marks" of unity. This evidence was summarized by Paul in three humble attitudes: 1.) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 2.) Esteem others better than yourselves, and 3.) Look to the interests of others.

Today Paul gives us the "model" that leads to true unity in the church. That model is the "humble" Christ. Though Christ Jesus was on the same level as God the Father, He was willing to let go of His rights as a God and come to earth as a man. A humble man.

Think for a moment of what Jesus gave up to go from God to man. Three things quickly come to mind. First He gave up His glory. In Jn. 17:5, Jesus prayed to the Father, "And now O' Father glorify Me together with yourself, with the glory which I had with you, before the world began." You and I cannot fully understand the glory that Jesus enjoyed with the Father in heaven. When Moses asked God in Ex. 33, to see "the glory of God." God told him, that wasn't possible. In Ex. 33:20, God tells him, "No man shall see Me and live." God's glory is too much for any mortal man to process. Too dazzling, too brilliant, we would be overwhelmed. The sheer beauty and majesty of God in heaven is beyond our imagination. Jesus knew that glory, but He gave it up for us.

Secondly, Jesus gave up all His riches to become a humble man. Paul speaks to this in 2 Cor. 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."

On earth as a man, Jesus was poor. He had no home. (MT. 20:8) He was supported during His ministry by the generosity of others, including women. (Lu. 8:1-3) When He died, the only possessions He owned were the clothes on His back. In death Jesus was placed in a tomb given to Him by the generous Joseph of Arimathea. (Mt. 27:57-60) By our worldly standards, Jesus was a beggar.

Jesus also gave up His authority of His own will. He now did all that the Father told Him. In Jn. 5:30, "I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father, Who sent Me." The writer of Hebrews in 5:8, tells us, "He learned obedience by the things He suffered." By giving up His rights as God, Jesus suffered poverty, scorn, and punishment. That's what God gave up!

Paul goes on to tell us in v.7, that Jesus became a "bondservant", a slave, He came in the "likeness of man". It was necessary that He become a human being, that He might become the "second Adam." The first Adam brought the curse of death into the world because of his one act of disobedience. But Jesus, "through His one act of righteousness gave us justification of life." (Rom.5:18) He had to live a righteous life without sin that He might be our perfect sacrifice as our High priest. (Heb. 4:15)

Also in v. 7, we are told, "He made Himself of no reputation". The actual Greek word rendered "no reputation" means "emptied". Jesus "emptied" Himself. He became in a word "nothing." Read Isa. 53: 1-6. In just the first three verses of this prophecy about Jesus, we are told; He was fragile, like a "tender root", He was not particularly attractive or beautiful, and He was despised and rejected. The Son of God, Who reflected the glory and majesty of God, was while on earth an "unremarkable man."

In v. 8 of our text, Paul tells us that the already humbled Christ, humbled Himself even further. To death, "even the death of the cross." The cross was a criminal's death. Yet as you already know from Isa. 53: 5,6, Jesus had to suffer for our sins. On the cross He took all the world's sins upon Himself and bore our punishment for them. Paul tells us in 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 through Him."

Because of our sins, Jesus experienced what every sinner, who dies apart from Christ will experience; separation from God. It was because of this terrible loss of fellowship with the Father that Jesus cried out from the cross, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?"

For us to become like Christ means that we must see others as being better than ourselves. We must see our brothers and sisters in Christ as being those whom we are obligated to serve. We must also, like Christ be willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others. That's our model, the humble Christ.

Study Questions

1. Our model as Christians for humility and service is ________________________.

2. Why did Jesus have to come to earth as a man according to Heb. 4:15?

3. Through what in Heb. 5:8 did Jesus learn "obedience" in this world?

4. Whose will did Jesus do while He was on earth?

5. What three things did we see in our lesson that Jesus gave up when He became a man?

6. According to Isa. 53:1-3, what was Jesus' appearance as a man like?

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Lesson Eight: The Highly Exalted Christ, Phil. 2:9-11

March 17, 2020

In our last two lessons Paul has addressed the question, "What causes proper unity to occur in the Church?" The answer is that unity occurs when we are humble. Our experiences in Christ should motivate us to be humble. If this is the case, a church will display the right behaviors: "Doing nothing from selfish ambition, in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself, and look out for the interests of others."

Then Paul pointed to Christ as our example for humility. He set aside His Divine privilege and humbled Himself to die for us. So in these past two lessons we have seen the motivation for unity, the marks of unity and the model for unity.

Today Paul shares with us the reward that Christ has received for His humility. He has been exalted by God the Father with "a name which is above every name." (Phil. 2:9) While you and I will never be exalted in the same manner as Jesus, we will still be exalted if we humbly submit ourselves to God's will.

The use of "therefore" to start verse 9 indicates that "because Jesus humbled Himself to the death of the cross", He has now been exalted by God. Jesus has now been given a :name" that is above all names.

True exaltation can only come through God. Human exaltation is often just flattery and only lasts through one's life. The Bible tells us of men who tried to exalt themselves and were punished by God. Read about Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4:28-33. He refused to acknowledge God's role in his success and was humbled to acting like a beast in the field.

Read about Herod in Acts 12:18-24. After God prevented Herod from murdering Peter; delivering him by an angel from Herod's jail, Herod went down to meet with men from the countries of Tyre and Sidon. These small nations were experiencing famine and they hoped that Herod would help them with food, as he had in the past.

So that day as Herod gave them an eloquent speech, the people began to pay homage to Herod as if he were a god. Herod knew better, but He did nothing to discourage them. So God punished Herod with death. Man must never exalt himself to the status of God!

Jesus, being "equal to God humbled Himself." (Phil.2:6-8) So God exalted Him. Jesus gives all men both a model and a standard rule as to how they can one day be exalted by God. The model is His life described by the four Gospels. The standard rule is in Mt. 23:11,12, "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted." You see, God rewards those who serve others.

The reward for Jesus was a name. That name according to Phil. 2:11 is "Lord". The truly glory that goes with this name is that Jesus will be worshiped and acknowledged by every person that "He, Jesus is Lord." The significance of this title is even clearer in Rev. 19:11-16, Here John sees Jesus as the victorious Christ riding on a white horse. He has conquered all the earth. John goes on to tell us in v.16, ""and He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords." When Jesus returns to earth with the saints the dead will rise from the graves and along with all the inhabitants of the earth, everyone will confess "that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Many will do so in fear and sheer terror because they realize they are about to be condemned. (Rev.6:15-17) But the saints will do so with unbelievable joy! Because they confessed Jesus as Lord while still living and humbled themselves to live obediently to Him. (Acts 4:12, Rom.10:9,10) This is the exaltation of Christ!

But the faithful saints will also be exalted with Christ. Not as Christ, but as joint heirs with Christ. They will "reign with Him." (2Tim.2:12) But this will only happen if we have taken on "the mind of Christ". (Phil.2:5) This is the mind of humility and service to others.

Humility brings reward to the Christian. Read 1 Pe. 5:5,6, here Peter restates the Lord's rule in Mt. 23:11,12 in this way, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." The only way any man will ever be exalted by God is by humbling himself to the Lordship and authority of Jesus Christ."

Study Questions

1. According to Jesus in Mt. 23:11,12, how will one become the greatest?

2. What is the name that God has given Jesus, by which He will be confessed by every tongue?

3. Why has God exalted Jesus according Paul in Phil. 2:6-9?

4. Will everyone confess that Jesus Christ is Lord or will it only be Christians?

5. Why will the Christian be one day exalted with Christ according to Peter?

6. When John saw the victorious Christ riding a white horse in Rev. 19, what name was written on His robe and thigh?

7. How can you as a Christian become more like the humble Christ?

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Lesson Nine: Work out your own Salvation, Phil. 2:12,13

March 19, 2020

Read Text, Phil. 2:12,13. To many people salvation seems a one time event in which they have little or no role. Non Scriptural doctrines such as Calvinism and "Once saved always saved" only add to the confusion about what is required of the believer concerning spiritual growth. Worst case scenario is that such doctrines can create an excuse for sin and an abuse of God's grace.

The church at Philippi was a good church. They had love for each other and God. They were generous in meeting the needs of Paul. They cared deeply for one another. However, it is obvious that Paul felt that they might be taking their spiritual growth lightly.

So after presenting Christ as their model for humility and service to God (Phil. 2:5-11), Paul encourages them to "work out their own salvation in fear and trembling." (v.12) When we see this statement there are two questions that we realize need answered. 1.) What is meant by this admonition, and 2.) How do we do this? This will be the focus of this lesson.

First, we need to understand that salvation is spoken of in the New Testament in three tenses: past, present and future. Literally each tense is indicative of a phase of our salvation.

Past tense speaks of the salvation event. This phase is often referred to as the point of our justification. This is the point at which God forgives us of our sins and we stand justified in the eyes of God. Mk. 16:16, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." is an example of referencing salvation in it's past tense.

Salvation as Paul speaks of here in Phil. 2:12 and in 1 Cor. 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." In both instances salvation is presented in present tense or still occurring in the life of the believer. This phase of salvation is commonly referred to as sanctification. The word means "to be set apart". At this phase we are becoming "set apart" for God's purposes and we are learning how to live a life pleasing to God. It is in this process that the Holy Spirit leads you and speaks to you through the Scriptures. It is the maturity process that God expects us to participate in.

It is in this process that new and better qualities are showing up in our lives. Peter in 2 Pe. 1: 5-11, speaks of these qualities that we must add to our lives. It is a serious business, this becomes more apparent when you read v.10, "Therefore brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will not stumble."

Then there is the future tense of our salvation; often referred to as our glorification. This is as Peter says in 1 Pe. 1:9, "receiving the end of your faith- the salvation of your souls." It's the day that our faith becomes sight. We have persevered and remained faithful until death. (Rev. 2:10) Another verse that speaks to this final reality of our salvation is found in Rom. 13:11.

So logically Paul cannot be speaking to the salvation event of the brethren in Phil. 2:12. They have already been saved through obedience to the Gospel. Obviously they are still in the flesh here on earth, so they cannot be in the future tense of their salvation either. So the current phase of salvation in which they are "working out their own salvation" or their sanctification is what Paul is speaking of. Knowing this, we now address our second question: "What must I do to assist in my sanctification?"

The good news is that God partners with us in this process. He has done His part to assist you. He has given you His Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) You received Him when you were baptized. He has also given you the Scriptures; this is what Peter speaks of in 2 Pe. 1:3,4, "as His Divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him, Who called us by glory and virtue, by which we have been given these exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may become partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." The Holy Spirit will lead you, He will speak to you through the Scriptures and He will also "enlighten the eyes of your understanding." (Eph. 1:18)

But you still have to do your part. You should pray that God might "incline your heart to Him." (1 Kgs. 8:58) You must study the Scriptures that you know how Christ wants you to live. You must make living for Christ your first priority. (Mt. 6:33) You must commit yourself to helping other members of the Church. (Gal. 6:2) You must strive to be an example; a light to the world, showing God's love to all those whom you come in contact with. (Mt. 5:14-16)

This is how you do it. There are no short cuts. This is how one becomes spiritually mature in Christ. In this process you will go from "believer" to "disciple" and then to "servant". It's what God desires for each of us. He has done His part. Will you do your part?

Study Questions

1. What are the three phases of salvation that one goes through?

2. Paul's statement "work out your own salvation in fear and trembling" is an example of salvation in ______________________ tense.

3. Solomon in 1 Kgs. 8:58, asked God to _______________ our _____________ to Him.

4. When does the believer receive the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:38?

5. In 2 Pe. 1:3, "God has given us all things that ______________ to godliness and __________

6. What is the child of God's obligation to the world in 1Kgs. 8:60 and Mt. 5:14-16? (In your own words)

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Lesson Ten: Stop complaining, start shining, Phil. 2: 14-16

March 23, 2020

READ Phil. 2:14-16. As human beings we are prone to complain. We complain about slow service, cold food, self-service checkouts, bad drivers, preachers who preach too long and internet that runs too slow.

Now sometimes we have a right to complain. It is only fair that we get what we pay for. We should also stand up for our rights as citizens of this country. Paul certainly did not hesitate to insist and argue for his rights in Acts 16, when he and Silas were unfairly beaten without due process. This was a violation of their rights as Roman citizens.

But, we as Christians should never complain about what God asks us to do or to bear. This is in fact what Paul means in v.14 when he says, "Do all things without complaining or disputing." This is clear when we look back at verses 12 & 13 where Paul had previously asked them to, "Work out their own salvation with fear and trembling". He then states why they should do this in v. 13, "Because this is God's will for you to do for His pleasure". That is why Paul begins v.14 by stating "Do all things". Among "all things" is to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling."

Complaining goes against the model that God has given us through Jesus Christ in Phil. 2:5-8. After all, Jesus let go of His rights as God that we might be saved by His sacrifice. In addition to not complaining to God, or about God, we must not complain or grumble to our brethren. In 1 Pe. 4:9, "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." Grumbling to your brothers and sisters can spread a quality to them that God disapproves of.

Also, we should never complain in the presence of non-believers. Paul gives us a positive model of how we should speak to those outside the body of Christ in Col. 4:5,6, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." We are obligated to always present Jesus and His church in a positive light.

There are four points we need to make about grumbling or complaining. Each is Scripturally based. After all, the Scriptures represent God's truth and not our opinions.

First God does not care for our grumbling against His will for us. The Old Testament gives us the example of how God dealt with Israel when they grumbled against Him. They continually grumbled against God and Moses, His spokesman. So in 1 Cor. 10:10, Paul tells us the outcome of their complaining, "nor complain as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer." If you go back to 10:5, Paul states, "But with most of them God was not well pleased; for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness." In 10:11 we are told that Israel's history is recorded "as an admonition for us." So don't complain for God's sake.

We also should stop complaining for our sakes. Because we need to become children of God. Eph. 5:1, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." Children imitate their parents. It's only natural. In v.15 Paul tells us that we should, "become blameless and harmless children of God." The two Greek words rendered "blameless" and :harmless" in the NKJV actually mean "holy" and "innocent or pure". God desires us to be holy as in 2 Pe. 3:11. He also desires us to be pure or chaste as in 2 Cor. 11:2. This is God's will for us and we should not complain or resist God's will in this matter.

Thirdly, we should stop complaining for the world's sake. Look again at verse 15., we are "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." It is among this "crooked and perverse generation" that we are called to "shine as lights" to the world. Jesus has commissioned every believer to be an evangelist, so that we might make "disciples of all nations." (Mt. 28:19) The world needs the Gospel that we have to offer. (Rom. 1:16) Because it alone is the "power" of salvation. We have this "power". But we also have the "proof" of God's salvation that shines through us. This is our changed lives. In 2 Cor. 4:6, "For it is the God that commanded light to shine out of the darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus." We are the face of Christ Jesus to a dying and lost world. Stop complaining for their sake.

Finally in v.16 Paul reminds them to stop complaining for his sake. Paul was their teacher. He brought the Gospel to them and is writing to instruct them. Paul wants to be able "to rejoice in the day of Christ" because they will be found faithful and pleasing to God. He does not want to think that he has "labored in vain".

In Eph. 4:11-13 Paul tells us that Jesus Himself has given us earthly teachers for two purposes; 1.) to equip you for ministry, and 2.) bring you to the fullness of the stature of Christ. One day your earthly teacher will have to stand before Christ and his work will be tested by Christ. (1 Cor. 3:10-15) They take every loss personally, just as Paul did. Every soul that has wandered from the truth is a loss. So for the sake of your teacher stop complaining and start shining!

Study Questions

1. According to 1 Cor. 10:10, What happened to the Israelites who complained against God?

2. In the Greek text of Phil. 2:15 what are the meanings of the words "blameless" and "harmless"?

3. What two words did Paul use to describe the generation (world) in which the Philippians lived in Phil. 2:15?

4. If the Gospel is the "power" of our salvation (Rom. 1:16), then our example to the non-

believer must be the ___________________ of our salvation.

5. What was Paul's fear in Phil. 2:16?

6. According to 1 Cor. 3:13, the Christian builder or minister's work will be "revealed by fire and

the ________________ will ____________________ each one's _________________.

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Lesson Eleven: Paul, the Humble Servant, Phil.2:16-18

March 25, 2020

READ Phil. 2:16-18. The world defines great men on the basis of their achievements. What were their successes in life? What contributions did they make to our society? Were they great and effective leaders?

The Apostle Paul was a man of greatness even by worldly standards. He wrote 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Over half of the words are his. He also established Christ's Church on two continents.

But Paul would never allow himself to be elevated to any level of human greatness. In many of the books he authored he referred to himself as "Paul a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ." He considered himself a "dulos"; a household slave (Grk.). He was a slave laboring for the Lord Jesus.

The instructions that Paul gives the church in Philippi in our text reflect three key truths about Paul. Truths about his true self. These truth's are 1.) his heart, 2.) his humility, and 3.) his joy. These three verses tell us what was his heart, his humility and what brought him joy. It would do us well to compare ourselves to him in these three areas of self.

In v. 16, Paul's heart is summed up in these words, "holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, or labored in vain." Paul had been commissioned by Christ to preach the saving message of the gospel. For him "laboring in vain" meant that some whom he had brought to Christ, might wander from the truth and ultimately be lost. (Jas. 5:19,20, Heb.6:4-6) Paul's heart was in line with God's heart on this matter. In 2 Pe. 3:9, "For the Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Now read 2 Cor. 5:14,15, Paul states his motivation for his ministry. What it was that compelled him. "For the love of Christ compels us." This does not mean that Paul preached because he loved Christ, but rather he preached because Christ loved all people and died for all people. The "love of Christ" is used here the same as it is in Rom. 5:8 where Paul describes "God's own love". Christ's universal love and his death for all men was Paul's motivation for preaching to the lost and ministering to the saved.

But Paul also ministered out of fear. Specifically he feared that some in Philippi might not continue faithfully in Christ. In Rev. 2:10, Jesus tells us it is only those "who are faithful till death" who "will receive a crown of life."

Paul was also very conscious that his own fleshly nature might cause him to stray as well. In 1 Cor. 9:27, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

Paul was aware of his own past history. He had persecuted the church, thinking that he was doing God's will. This sobering truth humbled Paul. In 1 Cor. 15:9, "For I am the least of the Apostles....because I persecuted the church of God."

This humility is further revealed to us in Phil. 2:17, "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith." A drink offering was a secondary offering to God that was merely a complement to the main burnt offering. It was usually a goblet of wine poured onto the main sacrifice as it was fully ablaze.

Paul's language in this verse indicates "present tense", as "his being poured out as a drink offering" was already occurring instead of yet to come. So it is obvious that he is speaking of "his chains", his imprisonment. The total time in which Paul spent imprisoned beginning with his arrest in Jerusalem until his release by Caesar in Rome was five years! Yet humbly, Paul says, "mu sacrifice is secondary to yours."

How could this be? Well, when you look at Phil. 1:28, we are told the Philippians had "adversaries", which they were terrified of. In 1:29, Paul states, "Christ has granted it to you to suffer for His sake." The persecution was already underway in Philippi, and it would worsen. Some of them would be martyrs. Their sacrifice was the "main offering", his was only "the drink offering". Humility, front and center. Paul never thought his suffering to be a big deal. In Rom. 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."

Finally, we see Paul's joy, his rejoicing at the end of v.17 and in v.18. Paul rejoiced that they were suffering. Not because he enjoyed seeing them persecuted, but because he realized they along with him, were sharing in the "fellowship of the sufferings of Christ."

Paul's attitude towards suffering and persecution was always, "Christ suffered, so I want to suffer like Him." Jesus promised His disciples in Jn. 15:20, that they would be persecuted like He had been persecuted. Paul felt like persecution was a fellowship with Christ. Read Phil. 3:7-11. Paul had counted "all things loss for Christ." Still he, just like us desired to one day "know His resurrection"; this is our glorification with Christ. But Paul also wanted something else. In v.10, Paul wanted to "know the fellowship of His sufferings". Paul's joy was always in the context of living, serving, suffering and dying for Christ. Where is your rejoicing?

Study Questions

1. What does the word "bondservant" mean in the Greek language?

2. What two things "compelled" Paul's preaching and ministry?

3. In Paul's heart, what caused him the greatest fear regarding the Philippian brethren?

4. If Paul's sacrifice was only a "drink offering", the Philippians' sacrifice was greater in what sense?

5. What two things mentioned in Phil. 1:28,29, point to a persecution there in Philippi?

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Lesson Twelve: The Character of Timothy, Phil. 2:19-24

March 26, 2020

Read Phil. 2:19-24. I'm sure that most of us have tried to pattern our lives after someone else's example. As children we naturally mimic our parents and often unconsciously behave like they do. As we get older, we expand our circle of acquaintances and often find other people, whom we adopt as examples. Possibly allowing them to mentor us.

The minister Timothy had such a man in his life who served as his mentor. That man was the Apostle Paul. In acts 16:1-5 we are told of Paul's meeting Timothy. Timothy had already reached a degree of spiritual maturity. First, he was "well spoken of by the brethren." His behavior and character were of a godly nature. Secondly, his mother is mentioned. Why is she noteworthy? Because we are told in 2 Tim. 1:3-7, that his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois had educated him in the faith. He was a believer.

So, Paul saw potential in this young man and took Timothy with him on his second missionary trip. What an education that must have been for a young minister. He heard Paul's sound teachings and learned them. (2 Tim. 1:13) But he also learned from Paul's example. He witnessed how Paul coped with persecution, dealt with opposition, how he loved people and how Christ-centered Paul's life was.

As we have previously learned about the church in Philippi it was a good church. Yet, Paul had his concerns. No doubt when Epaphroditus the Philippian minister had come to Rome, he gave Paul a full report on they were progressing. Paul had noted they were in a time of persecution. He heard that there were unity issues. He had also found out that not all of them had the humble mind-set of Christ. So, Paul chose to send Timothy to them.

This was not a slight to Epaphroditus. But Paul realized that perhaps he needed a "fresh set of eyes". Epaphroditus was one of them, a homegrown minister. Perhaps he had understated the problems out of love for his church. Paul needed to feel "encouraged". (v.19)

By this time, Timothy had labored indepently from Paul at both Corinth and Ephesus. He was exactly who Paul needed there in Philippi to correct the problems that existed there."

Paul trusts Timothy because they are "like-minded". (v.20) This quality means he could by his example encourage them to be correctly "like-minded". Paul hoped that Timothy could show them what a like-minded church looks like. The cure was for them all to adopt the "mind of Christ".(Phil. 2:5-8) Paul knew that Timothy had that "like-mindedness." He knew a letter to them would never be as effective an example. When Paul had sent Timothy to Corinth, he urged the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 4:15-17, to "imitate me." Then he points out that Timothy will "remind you of my ways in Christ." So Timothy was there example.

Paul sends Timothy because he "sincerely cares for your state." (v.20) This word "cares" is a very strong verb in the Greek language. It is translated in Phil. 4:6 as "anxious", as in "Be anxious for nothing." It notes great concern that causes one to worry. This is how deep Timothy's concern for the church was. He worried over each member.

Jesus gave the template for all who serve as ministers in Jn. 10:11-14, where He proclaims Himself as "the good shepherd". Paul had these qualities and we can be reasonably sure that Timothy had them as well. The good shepherd is willing to die for the sheep. The good shepherd will not run or shrink when wolves (false teachers) surface. The good shepherd is not just a "hired hand" who is there for money or fame, but instead he cares for the sheep. The good shepherd cares for the sheep because he knows them. Every minister will embrace these qualities if they aim to please Christ!

In v.21, Paul sends Timothy because "he seeks the things which are of Christ". Paul had already sent Luke and Aristarchus away to minister to other churches. There were others he could have possibly sent to Philippi, but all the others had one major flaw, "for all seek their own". Sure they knew God's word. However, seeking the things of Christ was not their top priority. Paul had full confidence that Timothy's top priority was serving the interests of Christ.

It should be our top priority too. Look at Col. 3:1-3. What makes a believer seek things that are Christ's? Things that are above and not things of eart? The answer is that your life, "must be hidden with Christ in God." When John the baptist was told that Jesus was making more disciples than he, John responded, "He must increase, and I must decrease."(Jn. 3:30) This is major truth, our wants should be second to what Christ wants from us. That's how Paul was, and that's how Timothy was.

In 1 Pe. 4:10, "As each one has received a gift, minister it one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Using our gifts, and all of us have them, is a proof that one is a good steward. Timothy had gifts to offer and he used them. We should too.

Study Questions

1. In Acts 16, How did the brethren in Lystra and Iconium speak of Timothy?

2. What were two issues in the Philippian church that Paul was concerned about in chapters one and two?

3. What two churches had Timothy already been sent by Paul to minister to before going to Philippi?

4. Who had told Paul of the things he was concerned about in the church at Philippi?

5. What three personal qualities did Timothy have according to Phil. 2:20,21?

6. According to Col. 3:1-3, "setting your mind on things above means your ________ is ___________ with _______________ in God."

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Lesson Thirteen: Epaphroditus the Minister, Phil. 2:25-30

April 1, 2019

READ Phil. 2:25-30. Here at the end of Chapter two Paul presents three examples for the church at Philippi to observe and emulate. The first was Paul, himself. He is the humble servant of the Lord Jesus, who in many of his letters referred to himself as a "bond-servant", a household slave serving Christ. To the Philippians Paul thought of himself as a "drink offering, poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith." (Phil. 2:17) He always considered himself, "The least of the Apostles, not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Cor. 15:9)

In our last lesson he presented Timothy, who had the model of Christian character. He is "like-minded with Paul and with Christ." (Phil. 2:20) He is the "one who sincerely cares for your state". (Phil. 2:20) This word "cares" in the Greek is defined as a "strong concern leading to worry". Literally Timothy worried over his flock. Paul also tells us that at a time when "all seek their own", Timothy was "always seeking the things Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:21)

So now Paul presents his third example to the church at Philippi. It is their own minister Epaphroditus. He had been the messenger who had brought their gift to Paul in Rome. He apparently was expected to stay and minister to Paul. Perhaps until his expected release by Caesar. (Phil. 2:23)

Everything we know about this man is found here in Philippians. His name Epaphroditus references the Grecian goddess Aphroditi. His name means "lovely" or "favored of Aphroditi". He had traveled over 4,600 miles from Philippi to Rome. A trip which by sea would take at least two months with the best sailing conditions.

Shortly after his arrival in Rome he fell deathly ill. And after his recovery Paul sent him back to his church. Partly because of their concern over him and partly because Paul felt it "necessary"

(Phil. 2:25)

It is here in verse 25 that Paul honors Epaphroditus with five titles. Each one is noble and complimentary. Each one speaks volumes about this man who was worth being imitated by all who are in Christ. Each one is a quality of an effective minister for Christ Jesus.

First is he is "a brother." It is by God's design that all who are in Christ's Church are called "brothers" and "sisters". We are God's children. In 1 Jn. 3:1, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." This affection for others in the body of Christ is later in 1 Jn. 3:10 said to be a quality that distinguishes the Christian from one who is a child of the devil. "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are made manifest: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."

He has risked his own life to come and minister to Paul. He nearly died. He knew it was a very long trip filled with danger and uncertainty, but still he came. Read Jn. 15:11-13. Here Jesus is teaching His disciples how they should love one another. The greatest sign of love is this, "than to lay down one's life for his friends." True love beloved. It was alive and well in Epaphroditus.

Next Paul says of Epaphroditus that he is "my fellow worker". This word rendered worker appears thirteen times in the NT. Each time it is used to identify one who is in ministry or service to Christ. By saying he is a "fellow worker", Paul affirms Epaphroditus as an equal.

This tells us as much about Paul's humility as it does about Epaphroditus' status. Remember how Paul felt about himself as an Apostle? "For I am the least of the Apostles, who am not worthy to be called an Apostle." (1 Cor. 15:9) Paul could have flaunted his position and authority over Epaphroditus, but he didn't. He valued him as a minister. For this reason he felt it necessary to send him back to his church. His church needed him more than Paul needed him.

Then Paul calls him a "fellow soldier." But the Greek word here for soldier (systratioten) implies one who is a "strategist". One who has a plan to defeat an enemy. This word is also used to describe "Archippus our fellow soldier" in (Philemon 2). Epaphroditus is not an enlisted man in the Lord's army, but a commander. A General.

It's really an honor. Here is a skilled minister who makes plans to defeat Satan. Everyone of us should have a plan, a strategy for doing spiritual warfare against Satan. Too many of us have no plan, so we are fighting like a boxer who is "shadow boxing". We do a lot of punching but we are not hurting Satan. Read what Paul said about fighting and running with a purpose in 1 Cor. 9:24-26. He is a man who was worthy of their esteem. (Phil. 2:30)

The last two titles which Paul gives Epaphroditus reflects his relationship to his church, rather than to Paul. He is "their messenger" or apostolon. He is their apostle. This word means "one who is sent". He was the one whom they sent to Rome to minister to Paul. He brought a gift to Paul. Part of that gift was likely a large amount of money. Luke tells us in Acts 28:30 that Paul lived for two years in Rome in his own "rented" house. No doubt, this money helped pay the rent and supply Paul with food and other necessities.

As one who carried this large sum of money, Epaphroditus was worthy of their trust. He was honest, therefore they "sent him." Paul tells us there are two kinds of Apostles in Gal. 1:1, "Paul an Apostle, not for men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead." Paul like the other twelve men we refer to as "the Apostles" was chosen and sent by Christ and God the Father. Epaphroditus had been sent by the church. By men. The same was true of Barnabas in Acts 14:4 and "Andronicus and Junia" in Rom. 16:7. Today we call such men "ministers" to avoid confusion concerning authority and ministry.

Finally he refers to him in v.25 as being "the one who ministered to my need." The Greek word here refers to a priest. All who are in Christ are said to be "a royal priesthood" (1 Pe. 2:9). This is regardless of whether we are called to a formal ministry or not.

As priests we are making sacrifices to God, just as the Old Testament Levitical priests did. It was Epaphroditus who brought the Philippians' gift to Paul. Paul describes this gift in Phil. 4:18 as "an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Epaphroditus like an OT priest presented an offering to Paul which was pleasing to God.

In the same way Paul reminds each of us in Rom. 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God to present your bodies, a living sacrifice holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." A priest makes sacrifices to God. Our sacrifice that we ought to devote to God is our lives! This means our lives should glorify Christ. Paul had raised a concern back in Phil. 1:27, when he told the Philippians, "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ." My sacrifice as a priest before God is my life and my conduct.

So Paul presents to us this wonderful man Epaphroditus. He is an example like Paul and Timothy. He is what a brother should be. He is what a fellow worker should be. He is a fellow soldier, a messenger and a minister to others. May we all be like Epaphroditus.

Study Questions

1. What were two possible reasons why Paul felt it "necessary" to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi?

2. "In this the ___________ of God and the ____________ of the devil are made _________

whoever does not practice ______________ is not of God, nor is he who does not ________

his brother."

3. How did Epaphroditus show the "greatest love" to Paul?

4. Based on the Greek word for soldier what made Epaphroditus, Paul's fellow soldier?

5. True or False, an "apostolon" is "one who is sent".

6. True or False, Paul never called Epaphroditus an "apostolon".

7. "I beseech you therefore, brethren by the _______ of ________, that you present _______

bodies, a living _____________, holy, acceptable to _________, which is your ___________

service."

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Lesson Fourteen: Rejoice in the Lord, not in the flesh, Phil. 3:1-6

April 10, 2020

Rejoice in the Lord, not in the flesh

Phil. 3: 1-6

READ Phil. 3: 1-6. "Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." At this point it seems likely the Apostle was ready to conclude his letter to the Church at Philippi. However, as we will see, this phrase merely serves as a springboard for Paul to teach on several related subjects.

As seen here in these verses Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our relationship with the Lord Jesus as opposed to any righteousness that we might have in our own fleshly achievements. Our relationship with Christ is ultimately what saves us. On Pentecost, Peter told the three thousand who responded to the preaching of the Gospel, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38. In baptism the believer receives the "remission" or forgiveness of sins, but also he or she receives the indwelling of God and Christ's Spirit just as Christ promised in Jn. 14:23, "If anyone loves me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him."

This indwelling is important to the believer for two major reasons. First, those who have the Holy Spirit are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." Eph. 1:13,14. Literally it is with God's Holy Spirit that we are sealed for salvation. His presence identifies us before God as being saved and belonging to Christ.

But secondly, we MUST put on Christ because we need His righteousness imputed to us. This is why Paul reminded the Galatian church that "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This clothing ourselves in Christ includes obtaining His righteousness. Our righteousness cannot save us. In fact God tells us in Isa. 64:6 that "all our righteousness is as filthy rags." The righteousness we MUST have comes from Christ. (Phil. 3:8-11)

Paul wants the Philippians to know that we cannot put our trust in our own works. He proceeds to warn them of "evil workers" in vv. 2-6. These "evil workers" we known as the "circumcisers". A group of false teachers who taught that in order for a non-Jew to be saved he must also be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. It was this very doctrine that prompted the Apostles and other leaders of the church to meet in Jerusalem to discern what should be required of the gentile converts. The conclusions they reached are clearly stated in Acts 15:24-29. The summary of what they decided was that they did not need circumcision, nor to keep the Law.

Paul's letter to the Galatian church was written primarily to combat this false teaching. Read Gal. 5:1-4. Here Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ had set them free from the Law. Should they become circumcised, "Christ will profit you nothing." (Gal. 5:2) To become circumcised carried an obligation to "keep the whole Law". (Gal. 5:3) Worst of all if they did submit to this bondage Paul tells them, "you have become estranged from Christ." (Gal. 5:4) In a nutshell this is why Paul warns them of these "evil workers". He warns them to "beware of the mutilation" in Phil. 3:2 because circumcision involved a mark of the flesh. This is why Paul flatly states, "have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3)

Also in v. 3 Paul states, "For we are the circumcision". However our "circumcision" is not a mark in the flesh, but rather the "seal of the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13,14)" Read Col. 2:11-15. Our circumcision is one not made with hands. Instead it comes from Christ and through baptism. It is at that point when we have our sins forgiven. This is why Jesus plainly told Nicodemus in Jn. 3:5, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." You MUST be circumcised by Christ!

In vv. 4-6 Paul points to the futility of having "confidence in the flesh." Paul was everything that a righteous and God fearing Jew should have been. He was an Israelite, circumcised on the eigth day according to the Law. His bloodline was pure, of the tribe of Benjamin. He was devout calling himself "a Hebrew of the Hebrews". He was of the strictest discipline of the Jewish faith, a Pharisee. He was so zealous that he ignorantly persecuted the Church. (see Acts 26:9-11) He was also as humanly righteous as one under the Law of Moses could be. Yet still he knew he was not nearly righteous enough to be saved. We will explore this further in our lesson next week.

The lesson for us today is simple; our salvation is not earned, but rather a gift from God. (Rom. 6:23) (Eph. 2:8,9) Our confidence and our hope MUST be in Christ. Just as the Philippians were told, "Rejoice in the Lord", we also ought to rejoice in the Lord. For Christ has done what we could never do. He fulfilled the Law by living a sinless life according to the Law and then paid our sin debt to God by bearing our punishment on the Cross. (1 Pe. 2:24)

Study Questions

1. Who were the "evil workers" that Paul warned the Philippians about?

2. Who does Paul say "are the circumcision"?

3. In Col. 2 Paul tells us our circumcision is __________ without ______________?

4. In Gal. 5 Paul warns us that "every man who becomes _________________ is a debtor to keep the whole __________?

5. According to Acts 2:38 when does a believer receive the "remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit"?

6. In Eph. 1:13 we are told that the believer is ______________ with the ________________ of promise"?

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Lesson 15: The Value of knowing Christ, Phil. 3:8-11

April 21, 2020

Lesson 15: The Value of knowing Christ

Read Phil. 3: 8-11. Paul had shared in the previous lesson his own accomplishments in serving God. He had a pretty good resume'. He was a "Hebrew of Hebrews", he was Pharisaical in his approach to the Law. He was zealous about serving God. He was righteous in how he kept the Law. When this new sect known as Christianity emerged; he saw it as a threat against God's way and persecuted those who belonged to Christ. Yet, his conclusion concerning his works and righteousness in verse 7? "But what things were gain to me I have counted loss for Christ."

Paul realized all his good works did not merit God's salvation revealed to him through Christ. Now as he springboards from this statement, Paul reveals his true testimony, his desire to grow even greater in Christ.

He has gained the "knowledge of Christ Jesus." This does not mean that he knew about Christ. Instead of this word "knowledge" being a verb, it is a "substantive" statement of his relationship with Christ. He knows Christ in a deeper, more relational way. It's not so much knowing Jesus' history, as it is knowing Jesus intimately as having shared common experiences with Jesus.

An "exchange" had taken place in Paul's life. Paul had given up his life, his desires, his dreams and his identity in exchange for being like Christ. It's really the whole basis of being a "christian"; to become like Christ!

This "exchange" is necessary if one is to be saved. Paul in Col. 3:3, states, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." In short Paul tells them, "You are now like Christ, He is your new identity." In Mt. 16:25,26, Jesus tells us, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" You can't keep your old life. You must "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

Read the story of "The Rich young Ruler" in Mt. 19:16-22. This young man wanted to follow Jesus just like a lot of people. Jesus tells him, "If you want treasure in heaven, you need to give all your wealth away." The young man couldn't do it. He couldn't give up "who he was" and become "who Christ insisted he must be." Paul could and Paul did, he "counted all things loss" for knowing Christ. Paul wanted to gain Christ and be found in Him. We must too.

There are four realities that occur in the life of a believer when he "knows" Christ. The first is best described in (Jn. 10:2-5) in the Good Shepherd's relationship with His sheep. They follow Him. The reason why they follow Him is because they know His voice and trust Him. So they accept His will for their lives.

Jesus told those who heard His teachings in Lu. 6:46, "Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord and not do the things which I say?" Surely if you call Him Lord you will do what Jesus says, right? That's what His sheep do. They follow. But yet when Jesus spoke of Judgment day in Mt. 7:21-23, he said, "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." He then speaks of "many" who thought He was their Lord, who had done good works in His name. But they were told by the Lord, "I NEVER KNEW YOU." Why? Because they did not do the "will of the Father".

What part of the Father's will did they NOT do? Jesus does not give a specific reason, but maybe it had to do with their entry through the wrong gate. Read Mt. 7:13,14. There is a specific way that we become a Christian. Jesus says, "Most assuredly unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (Jn. 3:5) Have you put on Christ? (Gal. 3:27) (Acts 2:38) If not, then Christ likely does not know you.

The second reality for those who know Christ is that they have Christ's righteousness. (Phil. 3:9) As we learned in Lesson 14 our righteousness is insufficient to save us. But here Paul tells us that we need the "righteousness which is through faith in Christ."

Read Rom. 3:21-26. Here Paul reveals to us that those in Christ are "justified freely by the grace of God, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Jesus kept the Law perfectly. He never sinned. (Heb. 4:15) In essence Jesus Christ lived the righteous life required of us. Then He died the death which was the penalty for our sins. Now His righteousness is "imputed" to us upon our faith and obedience to the Gospel. (Rom. 4:23-25)

The third reality is that those who know Christ will "know the power of His resurrection." (Phil. 3:10) Everyone who ever lived will one day be resurrected from the grave. But not everyone will "know Christ's resurrection. The difference is revealed by Christ Himself in Jn. 5:28,29, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth- those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation."

Those who know Christ not only are in heaven for eternity, they are also given a body that will be "like Christ's glorious body." (Phil. 3:20,21) Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 15:50-55 that this body will be incorruptible; it does not age, it feels no pain, it never breaks down. He also tells us that it is immortal; it will not die because we will not die there. (Rev. 20:14)

Finally, those who know Christ will not mind having fellowship in the "sufferings of Christ." (Phil. 3:10) No human being desires suffering or persecution. Yet it is a guarantee for "those who desire to live godly in Christ." (2 Tim. 3:12) Paul knew suffering and persecution well. At the time of this writing the Apostle had already been imprisoned for about five years total. He was stoned at Lystra. (Acts 14:19,20) He was beaten with rods at Philippi. (Acts 16:22,23) He had this in "common" (fellowship) with Christ.

Those who know Christ should expect persecution. The Philippians were already being persecuted. They had "adversaries who terrified them". (Phil. 1:28) What's more, Paul tells them, "it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Phil. 1:29) Jesus promised us in Jn. 15:18, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." It's the price of "knowing Christ". It's one of four realities that those who know Christ will experience.

Study Questions

1. "For you ________ and your life is hidden with ___________ in __________."

2. True or False, The "exchange" we must make to follow Christ involves us taking on Christ's identity.

3. What did Paul now consider all the things he lost for Christ's sake to be?

4. Whose righteousness is "imputed" to the one who believes in Christ Jesus?

5. Can we refuse to do what Christ asks of us and still have Him as our Lord?

6. "That I may ________ Him and the power of His ________________."

7. Why did Jesus say that the world would hate His disciples?

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Lesson 16: "Pressing on", Phil. 3:12-16

May 5, 2020

Lesson 16: "Pressing On", Phil. 3:12-16

READ Phil. 3:12-16. As we have stated before, chapter three of Philippians is Paul's testimony. Verses 4-6 is Paul's case for self-justification in the eyes of God. His credentials were his identity and his accomplishments in Judaism. His works of the Law.

But one day while traveling to Damascus to capture Jews who had turned to Christ, Paul met Jesus personally. You can read about his conversion to Christ in Acts 9: 1-18 and Acts 22: 3-16. In brevity, Paul suddenly realized he was wrong about Christ, about Christians, Christianity and about what God requires of man to be saved. He was baptized and began a new life in Christ.

What Paul learned in Christ was that nothing he could do could save him. It was the finished atoning work of Christ and Christ's righteousness imputed to him that would save him. So, in v. 7, Paul concludes, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ." This led him to desire fellowship in Christ, that he "might know Him and the power of His resurrection." (Phil. 3:10,11)

At this point some might think Paul has attained the resurrection of life (Jn. 5:29) and that he is certainly assured of his salvation. Paul certainly had confidence in Christ. If he didn't then he wouldn't have given up all things for Christ. Still, Paul knew he must "press on".

Paul viewed his life in Christ as a race. Not a short sprint event, but a marathon. A test of endurance. Read 1 Cor. 9: 24-27. Paul knew it was a life that required a plan. It required endurance and perseverance. If he failed in his personal walk with Christ, he recognized that he might somehow be disqualified from the prize. What is the prize for the Christian? Eternal life.

He recognized that his preaching must teach the believer that their walk must display "perfection"; completeness in Christ. (Col. 1:28) The Greek word used here can mean either, but here as it applies to the nature of sinful men redeemed by Christ it should denote completeness in conduct "worthy of the gospel of Christ". (Phil. 1:27) Not perfection as in incapable of sin.

To do this Paul realizes in our text in v. 13, that he had to "forget the past and be reaching forward to what was ahead of him." (Phil. 3:13) Everyone of us in Christ have a past, whether good or bad, we cannot live in the past, but "reach for what is ahead". That which is ahead is the "goal", "the prize", eternal life with Christ.

Christ Jesus, Himself had to do this. Look at Heb. 12:1,2. Here we are told that Christ did not focus on the suffering and shame of His death on the Cross. Instead He focused on "the joy that was set before Him". That joy was the knowledge that many would believe in Him and be saved because of what He suffered.

We need to do the same. Instead of focusing on what we once desired and lost for Christ, we should focus on eternity and our reward in Heaven. Each of us is called to deny ourselves and "take up our cross daily." (Lu. 9:23) That denial is that which Christ has taught us to forfeit for Him. Those things we have counted as loss. (Phil. 3:7)

When we were baptized into Christ a new life began. (Rom. 6:4), (2 Cor. 5:17) This life should mirror Christ! Literally when people see me; they should see Christ living in me. (Gal. 2:20) Those who are in Christ have their lives hidden with "Him in God". (Col. 3:1-3) So we should set our "hearts on things above". These are spiritual priorities for our lives; those behaviors and values taught by Jesus in the four Gospels. Learning these teachings will bring us to spiritual maturity.

In v. 15 Paul reminds us that if we are spiritually mature we will "have this mind". What mind is this? It is the attitude or mindset that was just stated in v. 14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14) This word for "press" in the Greek is a strong word. It means "to pursue" or "to chase". You and I must chase salvation. Not because it's hard to find, but because it is TOO VALUABLE to lose!

So maturity or "attaining to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13) is a MUST! In Eph. 4:12-15 Paul presents the whole reason that Christ has given the Church teachers, evangelists and pastors (elders). It is to "equip the saints for the work of ministry". Each of us is in some way a minister. If your not, then you need to start equipping yourself. But it is also because we need to identify true doctrine from false teaching. (Eph. 4:14,15)

The last time I saw a statistic on the number of denominations of Christianity in America it was just under 500. Think about this fact. Can there really be 500 different systems of truth? Is truth variable or is it constant? Jesus prayed to the Father in Jn. 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." Only an accurate knowledge of God's truth, the Bible can keep you sanctified and safe from false teachings. If you want to see the most spiritually mature believers in any church don't come on Sunday. Come to mid-week Bible Study. The few that come regularly to study God's word are the one's who are hungry for God's word. They are also the one's who are heeding Paul's message to "press on." This is the "rule" that Paul says "Let us all walk by. (Phil. 3:16)

Study Questions:

1. Did Paul think he had already "attained" to the "power of the resurrection of Christ?

2. What things did Paul tell us we "should forget"?

3. "Therefore we were buried with ______ through _____________ into death, that just as __________ was raised from the dead by the ___________ of the Father, even so we also should ____________ in newness of ____________.

4. What kind of sporting event did Paul compare his "walk with Christ" to?

5. What does the writer of Hebrews say that Christ focused on to help Him endure the cross?

6. What two reasons did Paul tell the church at Ephesus that Christ gave them teachers, pastors and evangelists for?

7. "Forgetting those things which are __________ and reaching _____________ to those things which are ____________."

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Lesson 17: "Enemies of the Cross of Christ" Phil. 3:17-21

May 12, 2020

READ vv. 17-21. In v. 17 Paul desires that the Philippians have good examples among them. Because they need a model or a "pattern". Paul himself was an excellent model. Later in Phil. 4:9, he would remind them, "the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Previously in chapter two he had presented Timothy and Epaphroditus as worthy examples to them. Read Phil. 2:21,22 and note that Paul affirms that Timothy sought those things that "were Christ's" when all the others were seeking things that benefited them. He also mentions his "proven character." Later, Paul gives a wonderful endorsement for Epaphroditus. (Phil. 2:29,30) Here was a man whose ministry could be said to have endangered his own life.

In v.19 Paul reminds them that there are "many" bad examples". A glaring failure in their lives that Paul mentions is "whose god is their belly." Literally they chase after their fleshly, sinful desires just as one might have an appetite for steak, pizza or seafood. They are still unrepentant sinners. Their lives do not reflect the change that Christ should bring to a sinner's lifestyle.

In Rom. 6:11,12 Paul makes the point that if we are alive in Christ, we are also dead to sin. In 2 Cor. 5:17, Paul confirms "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Continued chasing after sinful desires is proof that genuine repentance is still needed in a person's life.

A sinful lifestyle is not the only problem these men have. For Paul says, "they are the enemies of the cross of Christ." Why the cross of Christ as opposed to just enemies of Christ? Obviously, their problem is less with Christ and more about the death that Christ died on the cross.

The answer and the identity of these "enemies" becomes more clear when you ask yourself, "Why did Christ die on the Cross?" The general answer is that Christ died to save us. (Jn. 3:16) But why was death on a cross necessary?

Anytime someone violates the moral law of God by sinning, he must pay for his sins. He owes a debt in the eyes of God. This is why Paul in Rom. 6:23, states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." So if we owed a "sin debt" to God, how can we pay it? Well, we could all be punished in Hell for our sins. But no one in their right mind wants that. Fortunately Jesus paid our debt by taking our punishment, the criminal's death, death on the cross. Peter makes this very plain in 1 Pe. 2:24. Paul does as well in Rom. 4:25. The prophet Isaiah foretold this solution to our sin debt in Isa. 53:5,6. We were healed of our sins by His stripes!

So these "enemies of the Cross of Christ are those who object to the purpose of the cross. Why? Because they feel that men must justify themselves by their lives and by their adherence to the Law of Moses. Paul has already alluded to such men in a veiled manner in Phil. 3:2,3. These "dogs", "evil workers" are the "mutilators". They are those of "the circumcision." They were Jewish teachers who had infiltrated the churches of the Gentiles in Asia Minor and were teaching the newly converted Gentiles that in order to be Christians, they must first become Jews. This meant the men had to be circumcised (the removal of the foreskin) and they must keep the Law of Moses and observe the customs of the Law. These men attacked the purpose of the cross by making Christ's death of no value! They felt salvation came through the works of the Law, not grace as Paul states in Eph. 2:8,9.

This is why they are enemies. This is why Paul warns the church at Philippi NOT to follow their example. This is why he calls them dogs, evil workers, mutilators and in v. 19 "whose end is destruction." Definitely not men you want to listen to or follow! Paul warned the Galatians that if they chose the way of circumcision over the way of Christ, they would be in bondage and would no longer belong to Christ. (Gal. 5:1-4) In effect they will have lost the desired covering of Christ's righteousness that Paul revealed to us in Phil. 3:8,9.

In vv. 20,21 Paul reminds them that they are NOT citizens of Israel or Judaism, but of heaven. Paul only tells us of one defining characteristic of a citizen of heaven. But it is a big one; from which many characteristics spring forth. This characteristic is "they eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3:20) This characteristic tells us that they wanted to see Jesus. They hoped He was coming soon.

They were those Paul had in mind at the end of his life on this earth in 2 Tim. 4:8, "Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day. And not to me only, but to all who have loved His appearing." Do you see that defining characteristic. Citizens of heaven want to be there and want to be with the Lord Jesus!

This love causes one to be faithful in being obedient to Jesus' teachings. In Jn. 14:15, Jesus identifies those who truly love Him in this manner, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

What is it that makes one love Jesus in such a way as to forsake sin and keep His commandments? What would cause one to look forward to seeing Jesus' return? One thing alone would cause this self-denial. It is the fervent belief that Jesus is true to His promise of a resurrection that will result in an immortal resurrection body and a glorious eternity in heaven!

In v. 21, Paul affirms that Christ will "transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body." Just like Christ the true citizens of heaven will be clothed with a glorious and immortal body. Paul in discussing the resurrection and our glorious resurrection body declares that day to be one of "victory in Jesus". Read 1 Cor. 15:54-57. It is only fitting that I point out one final truth that Paul mentions here; "the strength of sin is the Law". (1 Cor. 15:56) Clearly the purpose of Christ's death on the cross must never be diminished. It was not merely a winsome gesture, but a purposeful deed that we must put in it's proper perspective lest we become "enemies of the cross of Christ."

Study Questions:

1. What two qualities made Timothy a good example for the Philippians?

2. In Phil. 3:17, What does Paul say that an example would give the Philippians?

3. "Who, Himself bore our _______ in His own __________ on the tree, that we having

_________ to sins, might live for ________________, by whose stripes you are _______

4. Who were these "enemies of the cross of Christ" described in Phil. 3: 2,3 & 18?

5.What did Paul warn the Galatians that would happen if they attempted to be justified by the Law in Gal. 5:4?

6. Where is the Christian's citizenship?

7. Whose glorious body will our lowly bodies be conformed to?

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Lesson 18: "Stand Fast", Phil. 4: 1-3

May 19, 2020

Lesson 18: Stand Fast, Phil. 4: 1-3

READ TEXT, Phil. 4: 1-3. As Paul begins his final instructions to the church at Philippi, he begins with a loving appeal for doctrinal unity and an appeal to two sisters in Christ to "be of one mind."

In v. 1 Paul refers to the Philippians with four expressions of endearment. He refers to them as "my beloved". Paul loved the church at Philippi, just as all ministers should love their churches. All believers are called upon by Jesus to love each other. In Jn. 13:34, Jesus tells us, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you love one another." Love for the brethren is not optional, but mandatory.

He refers to them as "my longed for brethren." All who are in Christ are members of God's family. We have been adopted and are now "sons of God." (Eph. 3:20), (Gal. 4:5), (1 Jn. 3:1,2) Not only did Paul view them as family, but he has previously told them, "how greatly I long for you with the affection of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1:8)

He says to them, "you are my joy." Paul delights in them. Some of them were truly his spiritual children that he had brought to faith. Some of them such as Lydia and the Philippian jailer were among those who showed their love for Christ and Paul in his short stay in Philippi.

He also refers to them as "my crown". There were two different words that meant "crown" in the common Greek language. One referred to the crown which a king or ruler wore. But the word Paul uses here refers to the green garland wreath, the "victor's crown" which was given to the winners of the Greek Olympic games. The significance of this crown is that at the end of the Games there was a feast that only the winners could attend. In order to be admitted you must be wearing the "victor's crown." The Philippians were Paul's crown, that which proved he had triumphed in his labors for Christ.

In addition to these wonderful and endearing terms that Paul uses to describe his relationship with the Philippians, there is also a call to doctrinal unity here in v.1. Here Paul tells them to "stand fast in the Lord." So what is meant by this appeal?

Verse one begins with the word "therefore" which clearly connects that appeal to what Paul has previously discussed at the end of chapter three. In Phil. 3:20, 21 he has reminded them that their "citizenship is in heaven." This proclamation is in stark contrast to the "enemies of the cross of Christ" that Paul has just warned them of in Phil. 3:18, 19. These enemies opposed the concept that a believer could be justified before God apart from keeping the Law of Moses. They rejected the idea that one was saved by grace through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. They were the same group that Paul had warned them about in Phil. 3:2, 3. They taught that a Greek must become a Jew and keep the Law of Moses.

With this in mind the reason why Paul is telling them to "stand fast in the Lord" is because they unlike the enemies of the cross of Christ are "citizens of heaven". What they have believed and obeyed and are continuing in, they must remain faithful to. The Greek word rendered "stand fast" literally means "to remain stationary". It implies an uncompromising position regarding the faith which is saving them eternally.

This was the exhortation that Paul gave the church in Corinth in 1 Cor. 15:58, "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

This is a call to remain faithful to that body of teaching that they had previously received. This body of teaching is commonly referred to as "the faith." The word faith can be used in two ways. It can be used objectively, as in my faith, that which I believe personally. It is also used subjectively as in the actual body of teachings and practices given by Christ to His Church. This is what Paul had in mind when he tells us in Eph. 4:5, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." It is NOT "my faith" or "your faith", but the faith; that which I must believe and "stand fast" in.

In standing fast for this faith, they must also be prepared to "contend for the faith, which was once for all delivered to saints." (Jude 3) This faith also can rightly be said to be that "which was spoken to us" by Jesus, God's Son "in these last days." (Heb. 1:1, 2) These two Scriptures affirm to us that this faith is literally God's final communication and direction for us in this life. They also affirm that this "faith" MUST be obeyed by all people!

This faith is so important that Paul instructed the church at Corinth to "examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." (2 Cor. 13:5) So it is undoubtedly what we will be measured by one day. So we all must "stand fast in the Lord."

In vv. 2, 3, Paul addresses a contention between two women in the church at Philippi. They are Euodia and Syntyche. Apparently they are not of one mind on some matter.

I think it obvious that this is not an issue where one had sinned against the other. First, the fact that Paul refuses to pass judgment on either of them, but rather lovingly implores both of them equally, "to be of the same mind in the Lord." Paul always passed righteous judgment on those who had sinned. That was the case with the sexually immoral brother in Corinth. (1 Cor. 5: 4, 5) It was true when Peter showed partiality between Jewish and Greek brothers in Antioch. (Gal. 2:11) It was true when he called out two false teachers whose doctrine was like "cancer". (2 Tim. 2:17)

What is needed here is for both of them to have the "mind of Christ." This is the mind-set that Paul had previously urged the entire church to have in Phil. 2: 5-8. It is a mind-set that is humble to the point of emptying one's self. It is a mind-set that is obedient to God's will. It is a mind-set that is willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Paul finishes by asking a "true companion" to "help these women." Who is this "true companion?" Several commentators suggest Luke, Timothy, Silas and even Lydia. I believe logic dictates that it is Epaphroditus. Their minister, the one who is carrying this letter back to the Church. After all, he is loved dearly by the brethren. (Phil. 2:25,26) If anyone can bring these two women to adopt the mind of Christ it is he; one that both love and will hear.

Study Questions:

1. When Paul tells the Philippians they are his crown, what type of crown were they?

2. In the context of what we learned in chapter three, why did the Philippians need to "stand fast?"

3. What does the Greek word for "stand fast" actually mean?

4. True or False, in the case of the Philippians, Paul was asking them to stand fast concerning their salvation by grace as opposed to works of the Law.

5. True or False, the word faith can only be used in one sense and that is objective.

6. "Therefore my beloved _____________, be steadfast, _____________, always abounding in

the work of the __________, knowing that your _________ is not in vain in the ________.

7. Whose mind-set did Paul "implore" both Euodia and Syntyche to have?

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Lesson 19: Finding the Peace of God, Phil. 4:4-7

May 27, 2020

READ Phil. 4: 4-7. As Paul begins this final chapter of his letter to the church at Philippi he desires to help them and to give specific and practical teachings which will help all believers. This is true in regard to the believers search for peace in God through Jesus Christ.

Worldly people never find God's peace. That is because they look for peace in worldly things: relationships, careers, health, appearance, success, possessions and money. Jesus promised a peace to His followers that is "out of this world". In Jn. 14:27, Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The believer's peace comes through Christ, not through worldly things.

In verse 7 Paul says of this peace, that it "surpasses all understanding." Why is this? Because it defies human logic! Human logic says, "I am at peace because of my circumstances." Because all my requirements are met, all my needs are met this is why I have peace.

But this is not the case with Jesus' disciples. Our peace is present when circumstances say, "It shouldn't." Stephen, the first Christian to die for the faith had this peace and it was obvious even to the members of the Sanhedrin who were about to stone him. In Acts 6:15, Luke tells us, "And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." Even the prospect of death did not shake the peace of God through Christ that Stephen had.

After Paul and Silas were wrongfully beaten with rods in Philippi and were cast into jail with their legs uncomfortably "fastened in the stocks", they still felt God's peace in spite of their circumstance. In Acts 16:25, "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." No crying, no complaining, no cursing their situation. Only a peace that led them to worship God, even in a jail!

Paul told the Colossian church to "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." (Col. 3:15) Sadly, many believers do not know this peace of God. In vv. 4-6, Paul tells them three behaviors that we all should incorporate in our lives, that we too, might have this peace of God.

The first is that we should rejoice in the Lord. Paul emphasizes this behavior stating, "Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4) Obviously the believer should rejoice in all blessings received from God, but this rejoicing in the Lord was previously noted by Paul in Phil. 3:1-3 as being the result of the nature of their salvation. Their salvation was not of the flesh and justification by works of the Law, but rather it is a GIFT! When you and I realize God has literally "given" us this great gift of salvation it should be the primary reason we rejoice.

This great joy literally re-shaped the lives of the first Christians. Read Acts 2:44-47 and pay special attention to their commitment to the kingdom of Christ. They shared their lives with one another. They helped brethren who were in need. They met daily and engaged in worship and fellowship. And they rejoiced! They were praising God. Why? Because they were saved.

Jesus reminded the seventy disciples that He had sent out in Luke 10:17-20 that the reason they should rejoice was NOT because they had power over demons, but because, "your names are written in heaven." Is that why you rejoice? Or do you require ideal circumstances?

Secondly, Paul tells them in Phil. 4:5, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Paul had no clue as to when the Lord might return and neither do we. We must make sure that we are striving to live in peace with all men. In Acts 2:47 we are told by Luke that the first church "had favor with all the people".

Though we are told in Scripture that "All who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12) We should remember that we are still obligated to treat all men well. Peter reminds us that while suffering for Christ is good, suffering because you are sinful or simply being a busybody is NOT good. (1 Pe. 4: 14,15) So we must seek peace with all and avoid provoking the anger of others, if we desire to know the peace of God.

Finally, in v.6 Paul tells us that instead of being anxious we should be in prayer. While earthly men are all sinners, there are still some wonderful parallels that we can see between a good earthly father and our Heavenly Father.

Fathers like to hear from their children. So does God. Paul tells us in 1 Thess. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." If God was bothered by your continual prayers, HE would never have allowed Paul to say this! God loves to hear from you.

He does not want you to feel as if you have no hope. In Luke 18: 1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the dishonest judge. Luke tells us in v.1, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." He goes on to tell how this widow was seeking justice from this judge. At first he quickly dismissed her, but she kept coming! Everyday she was showing up. So what does the dishonest judge do? He gives her justice. Jesus' point is that God is more likely to reward your persistence in prayer. So don't lose heart, pray!

In times of uncertainty it is easy to become anxious, but God is still your primary resource. So why do we treat Him as if He is only our last resort? Concerning the anxiousness about our daily provision (food, drink, clothes) Jesus tells us in Mt. 6:31-33, two things: 1.) God knows you need these things, and 2.) Our primary responsibility is NOT to worry, but to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

In summary, if you want to know this "peace of God through Christ Jesus that surpasses all understanding you really need to add these three behaviors to your life. Rejoice in your salvation! Strive for peace with all men. Replace your anxiety with prayer. Then you will find the peace of God.

Study Questions:

1. True or False, the believer's peace is dependent upon worldly circumstance?

2. What is the chief reason why the believer should rejoice in the Lord?

3. True or False, Stephen was trembling and fearful as he stood before the Sanhedrin?

4. "Let your ____________ be known to all _________. The Lord is at __________."

5. Jesus told the seventy disciples, "rejoice because your _________ are written in _______"

6. Instead of being anxious, we should do what?

7. "and the _________ of God, which __________ all _____________ will guard your

____________ and ___________ through Christ Jesus."

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Lesson 20: "What to think and do" Phil. 4:8,9

June 3, 2020

READ Phil. 4: 8,9. Paul began a theme in Phil. 3:1, which he has continued to build upon. Line by line, precept upon precept, teaching upon teaching. Each one has to do with being "safe" in Christ. It is safe to trust in Christ for salvation. It is safe to choose the imputed righteousness of Christ over the works of the Law. To be safe, we must "press on" to spiritual maturity. The citizens of heaven are safe compared to the enemies of the Cross. To be safe one MUST "stand fast". If one is safe in Christ, he will find the "peace of God that surpasses all understanding."

So in our text today in Phil. 4:8,9 Paul addresses what a believer ought to "think and do" to remain safe in Christ. It is accurate to say that the life of a christian involves change. It begins with our being "born again, born of water and the Spirit." Without this second birth you remain in the flesh and you will not be saved. (Jn. 3: 5,6) Paul affirms this in 1 Cor. 15:50, "Now this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit in corruption."

This change involves crucifying the sinful desires of the human flesh. In Gal. 5: 24,25, Paul tells us about the evidence of those who belong to Christ, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit." Your life must change!

Paul told the church at Rome not to conform to the life style of those in this world in Rom. 12:2. Instead, he tells them to be "transformed by the renewing of their minds." How do you transform a sinful lifestyle? By renewing your minds! If you want to change the outward man, you begin with changing the inward man. (2 Cor. 4:16)

To reach this change, Paul tells the Philippians six things they should think or meditate on in v. 8. What we think has a direct impact on how we act. Proverbs 23:7, "For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." Jesus knew that evil begins in the mind or "the heart". In Mt. 15:11, He told the Pharisees "It is not what goes in the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Even the Lord connected the mind of a man with the manner of his life.

The disciple of Christ must guard and condition his mind with the right things. This is not "positive thinking", but "godly thinking".

The first of these godly guidelines for meditation is to "think on things that are true." The only source for absolute truth is God's word. This is why Jesus prayed for all believers saying, "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." When you read God's word, do you meditate or think on it? David in Ps. 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Jesus in Mt. 4:4, "For it is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Meditate on the truth revealed in God's word.

Then Paul asks us to think on things that are "noble". The word is also translated as "reverent" in some verses. This is likely Paul's meaning. A reverent mind-set is necessary for one to worship God. The believer should have a worshipful mind-set at all times. In Eph. 5:19, "speaking to one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." You and I should have worship in our minds daily.

Things that are "just" or righteous are also encouraged. A righteous man has a mind-set that God approves of. He forgives and holds no grudges. He loves without motives. He never seeks to victimize or exploit someone else. Jesus might have given the greatest compliment to one of the more obscure disciples, Nathaniel. When Jesus met Nathaniel, He said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit." (Jn. 1: 47)

Paul next says to meditate on those things that are "pure". The Grk. word means "morally clean and undefiled." Immoral thoughts are sinful. Jesus went as far as equating the lust for sexual immorality with the actual sinful act. Read Mt. 5: 27,28. One cannot expect to live free of sexual immorality if one thinks about it.

"Lovely" things are to be thought of as well. This is not thinking about the outward appearance of men or women. But instead it is about the character traits that make one beautiful to God and most people. Such qualities include generosity, graciousness, compassion, kindness and thoughtfulness. When one shows you these gifts it is wise to commit them to memory that you might add them to your outward self.

The last of these six are thing "that are of good report". This includes memories of wonderful and kind things that others have done for you. In the final verses of chapter four Paul will remember on two occasions when the church at Philippi gave him generous gifts. When one remembers what others in Christ have done for them love is quickly spread to others.

These are the things to feed the inward man that you might reshape the outward man. Paul concludes briefly noting what the believers should do in verse 9. They must remember the teachings that he has given them. Also they should once again, as in Phil. 3:17 remember his own example.

A changed believer is one who has learned God's will for his or her's life. "Pressing on" to maturity was addressed in Phil. 3:14,15. Change does not occur without learning God's word thoroughly. The Hebrew writer expressed much concern with his audience about their failure to mature. Read Heb. 5:12-14. The natural progression of the believer is to go from student to teacher.

Concerning our examples; our best model is always Jesus because He lived a "perfect life". However, it is more practical to observe the model demonstrated by a fully mature believer within your church. The men who are called to be elders are a worthy example. This is because they are called to be your examples. Peter in 1 Pe. 5: 2,3, writes, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." The good thing about having an example in your life is you can ask for help and direction in your daily walk with Christ. So you can be "safe in Christ."

Study Questions:

1. "Sanctify them in the _______, Your __________ is ___________."

2. Why did Jesus say in Jn. 3:6 that one must be born again, "born of water and the Spirit"?

3. What did Jesus say "defiled a man" in Mt. 15:11?

4. In Rom. 12:2, what did Paul say make a believer "transformed"?

5. A "just" or "righteous' mind-set is one which has no _________. Jn. 1:47

6. True or False, did Jesus say that lusting for someone is not the same as committing adultery?

7. True or False, Paul presents himself as an "example" to the Philippians?

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Lesson 21: "The Secret of Contentment", Phil. 4:10-13

June 11, 2020

READ Phil. 4:10-13. True contentment is a rare occurrence in our American culture. We seem to always be needing something in order to be content. Perhaps that dream job, the bigger house, the newer car or the more expensive clothing. In some cases our need is more personal. We need to lose weight or have plastic surgery, or to build more muscle to be truly happy.

Humanism; a philosophy that believes their is no higher power than man, perpetuates much of today's striving for material or achievement driven contentment. The Bible calls it the, "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" principal. (1 Cor. 15:32) (Eccl. 8:15) This principle arrives at the conclusion that there is nothing greater than this life, so live it for yourself.

Then there is the non-stop barrage of advertising we are exposed to. The main strategy of all advertising is to meet an unmet need in your life. It doesn't matter what that need is, or if it is real or only imagined, in the eyes of the advertising agencies America is full of "needy" people.

Paul had needs just like all of us have. Yet unlike most Americans today Paul was not "needy". By the time he finished his two-year house arrest in Rome, Paul had spent nearly five years of his life incarcerated. No way to make a living. Totally dependent on God to meet his most basic needs.

One day, Paul had a visitor in Rome. It was Epaphroditus the minister of the church of Christ in Philippi. He came bearing a gift(s) for Paul. (Phil. 4:18) Now Paul was "full" and "abounding". He obviously needed this gift, but yet when you read the text you find that even being without he was still content. He has found true contentment. Why? Because he has learned the "secret" to contentment. He shares that "secret" with us here in this text.

Here there are three principles that Paul gives the Philippians and us that will lead us to that secret. The first of these is found in v.10 where Paul says, "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly." Why? Because of the gift he had received from them. Though it came from the Philippians Paul still knew it was from God.

So this first principle is that Paul had confidence in God's provision. James tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from God." (Jas. 1:17) The Lord Jesus tells us in Mt. 6:11, "give us this day our daily bread." The word "bread" here is used to represent our every basic need, not just bread. Later in Mt. 6:25-33 the Lord counsels us not to worry about the basics of life, but instead to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Mt. 6:33)

While God promises daily provision, He only gives what you and I need and it comes according to His timing, not ours. God made this point daily to the Israelites during the exodus when He sent them manna each day. Moses reveals a great truth about this provision in (Ex. 16:17, 18) where we find that no matter how much they gathered, it was always enough!

It had been a long time since the Philippians had sent Paul any gift. In fact it was not long after Paul and Silas had left Philippi for Thessalonica that they apparently sent multiple gifts to them. (Phil. 4:16) But their stay in Thessalonica was a brief one according to Luke, so it had likely been eight or nine years since that last gift. Yet, Paul knew their gift was by God's choosing, not theirs. They had "lacked opportunity". The Greek word here for "opportunity" also means "a season"; again God had made their gift available just when it was needed by Paul.

The second principle to true contentment is found in v.11, here we find that Paul had "learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Even with less Paul was content. In v. 12 Paul "knew how it was to be abased". To be "laid low." He was adaptable. Yet content.

This type of contentment does not go well with worldly people. This is why the average American household has nearly $6,000 in credit card debt. The key to making a household budget work is to live off of less than you make. Yet many Americans have credit card debt, student loan debt, auto loan debt and mortgage debt all at the same time! The Christian who desires contentment MUST understand that life has seasons of abundance and seasons of drought. In any circumstance be content with what you can afford!

Even though Paul had a right to make a living by preaching the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). He had ministries where the brethren either could not or would not support him. In Corinth Paul relied on other churches for his living. (2 Cor. 11:8) In Thessalonica, though the Philippians helped out, Paul still had to work daily to get by. (1 Thess.2:9) So the Apostle learned how to live with less.

Thirdly, Paul had declared himself to be independent from circumstance. How did he do this? In v. 12 he states, "I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." The Greek word here rendered "learned" is not the usual word for "learned" as to "understand". Instead it refers to "initiate by instruction". It was commonly used to speak of learning the rites of initiation into the secret societies that ancient Greece had.

Even today in America we have a few "secret" societies. There are certain rites of passage one must learn in order to gain admittance. Two that were common are the Masons and the Odd Fellows. What Paul literally means is that I have "learned the secret that MUST be learned in order to be content!"

So what is that secret? What must I know in order to find true contentment? It is found in v.13 where Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The Greek text here suggests that Christ is the strength that strengthens Paul. In meditating on this I was reminded of what the Lord had told Paul after He refused to remove Paul's thorn in 2 Cor. 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul knew this. He understood a principle that is utter nonsense to those outside Christ. Literally in a time of need Christ may do one of three things to help you. First, He may give you provision to meet the need. Second, He might give you strength to do without the need being met. Or thirdly, He might by His grace supply that need through others. In any event or circumstance Christ is the secret to being content.

Study Questions:

1. What are two influences at work in our culture that cause us to be "needy?"

2. The gift that Paul had received from Epaphroditus came from what church?

3. "Not that I speak in regard to _________, for I have _____________ in whatever state I am

to be ________________."

4. True or False, no matter how much manna the Israelites gathered it was always enough?

5. Phil. 4:10 suggests that the timing of the Philippian's gift was by whose timing?

6. True or False, there is a secret that we MUST learn to be truly content?

7. Whose "strength is made perfect in weakness?"

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Lesson 22: The Beauty of a Generous Church, Phil. 4: 14-19

June 17, 2020

Read Phil. 4:14-19. The Philippian church was a generous church. They had "shared in Paul's distress" (Phil 4:14, 18). They had supported his missionary efforts in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:16). Their generous gifts to Paul was proof that they had the same love for God's people that was demonstrated by the very first church in Acts 2:44,45, "Now all who believed were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." They were willing to provide for Paul in his time of need.

This same love for giving generously was noted by Paul and attributed to all of the churches of Macedonia; in which Philippi was located. Read 2 Cor. 8: 1-4. An offering had been taken up for the saints in Judea (the region of Jerusalem). This was likely in response to the famine that the prophet Agabus had prophesied about in Acts 11:28,29.

Now a second offering was being taken for the same purpose. Paul here points to the generosity of the Macedonian brethren. He notes they gave in spite of being "in a great trial of affliction". We know that previously Paul had indicated in Phil. 1:28, that the Philippians "had adversaries, who terrified them." A persecution against the church was in progress, yet they gave!

Paul notes that it was their joy of serving the needs of their brethren that motivated their generosity in v.4. He notes in v.3 that they gave "beyond their ability." So it's very evident this church was generous in spite of their poverty.

Now this shouldn't surprise us. The charter members of the church of Philippi were generous from the very start. Lydia and her household had allowed Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke to stay in her house and it likely became the place where the believers met. (Acts 16:15) The jailer, who was baptized by Paul and Silas, showed his generosity on the night he was saved. He did this by tending to the wounds of Paul and Silas and then feeding them after midnight. (Acts 16:33,34) So there was a great beauty to be found in this generous church. You only find this type of grace in those who have truly been born again. You just don't find this in unregenerate people.

Paul goes on to tell us of three blessings that the Philippian church would enjoy because of their generosity in vv. 17-19 of our text. These blessings are available to every church that demonstrates this beautiful generosity.

In v.17 we find the first of these blessings is that the generous church has "fruit credited to their account." There is nothing hidden from God's sight. He knows our virtues, our weaknesses and our works. When a church engages in a good work they are bearing fruit for God, which He will remember.

This truth is easily found in the seven letters that the Lord Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor that are found in Revelation chapters two and three. At the beginning of each letter the Lord makes the same statement to each church, "I know your works." He knows the works of every church. The Lord measures our faithfulness to Him through our works, to some degree. And the Philippians had some "fruit" credited to their account. The Grk. word used for fruit indicates "plucked" fruit. In other words a harvest had occurred; they had reaped a harvest in their generosity to Paul.

Likewise, they had a harvest when they supported Paul in Thessalonica. And another harvest when they gave aid to the Judean brethren in 2 Cor. 8: 1-4. The principle of sowing and reaping is revealed to us by Paul in 2 Cor. 9:6,7. You have to "sow bountifully" to "reap bountifully." But there is a second requirement; "you have to give as you purpose in your heart and cheerfully." The Philippians passed this test! They harvested fruit to their account. In 2 Cor. 9:10 Paul reveals an additional blessing to the generous church stating that God would, "multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness." They gave a little, but God multiplied their seed, so that it might go further and do more for the kingdom.

Secondly, in v.18 we see this gift was viewed by God as "an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God." Beloved a sacrifice is worship in God's eyes! It was one way that the Israelites worshiped God under the Old Covenant. The Hebrew writer knew this was true of good works and "sharing" with others. In Heb. 13:16, he reminds us "But do not forget to do good and to share; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

The whole life of the disciple is an opportunity to worship God! In Rom. 12:1, we are told, "I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable service." Our generosity outside of our weekly gift to God is just another "acceptable sacrifice " to God.

In v.19 Paul tells them that because God has accepted their sacrifice, "He will supply all your needs." A generous gift is just as much a blessing to the giver as the receiver. In 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."

Paul may have had in mind the Lord's teaching in Lu. 6:38 when he said this. "Give and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." This promise should not be viewed as a "give to get" scheme, but an age old principle that God indeed loves a generous and cheerful giver. Not all blessings are monetary.

It is natural that God should love a generous church. Because a generous church demonstrates through their generous gifts to the work of the kingdom and to the needy that they are "seeking first the kingdom of God." When you put God's kingdom first. When serving Him is your first priority, you have the promise of His daily provision for your life. Jesus taught us this in Mt. 6:31-33. A generous church or a generous disciple always seeks God's kingdom first!

Study Questions:

1. The Philippians had supported Paul not only in his chains in Rome, but in his ministry where?

2. True or False, The Macedonian churches gave less than what they were able?

3. Which of the first members of the Philippian church took in Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke?

4. What two generous acts did the Philippian jailer do for Paul and Silas?

5. Because of the Philippians gift to Paul they had "fruit that abounded to their __________."

6. God viewed their gift to Paul as what type of worship act practiced in the Old Covenant?

7. Paul tells us that Jesus said, "It is more __________ to give than to ______________.

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Lesson 23: "Glory to God and the Saints in Christ", Phil. 4: 20-23

June 24, 2020

Read Phil. 4:20-23. Paul closes this great letter to the church in Philippi with a short doxology in v.23, and by asking them to "greet the saints in Christ." A doxology is a short hymn or proclamation of praise to God. Perhaps the best remembered doxology is found in Jude 24, 25. The closing doxology here in Philippians is short, "To our God and Father be glory, forever and ever Amen."

The presence of this doxology should remind us that it is the responsibility of every disciple of Christ to give God glory. Why should we give God the glory? The simple answer is because He is God and there is no one like Him. As the Psalmist says in Ps. 113:4,5, "The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high?"

Anselm who lived in the 11th century formed a simple statement defining Who God is. This statement is commonly known as the Ontological argument for the existence of God. "Ontological" is from the Latin and means "from logic". Anselm's statement was, "God is a being which none greater can be imagined." That is a serious acknowledgement of God's greatness!

So what is glory and how do we give God "glory"? Well glory is the recognition of God's splendor, greatness and majesty. One way we give God this praiseworthy acknowledgement is through worship. Here are four obvious acts of worship where we have the opportunity to give God His glory.

First when we sing "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19) This is why the songs we choose MUST give glory to God the Father or the Son. Our choice of songs MUST be characterized by this one quality in order to give God His praise!

We also give God His glory in our prayers. When you pray to God you are acknowledging His existence and His ability to give us that which we ask for, if He chooses. In Heb. 11:6 we are told about the necessity of these two beliefs; "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." When we pray with these two sound affirmations we are giving God glory.

When we gather at the Lord's table to take communion we give God the glory. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 11:26, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." Not only in this act are we proclaiming Christ's death, but we are also expressing our confidence in God's promise that Jesus will one day return. (1 Thess. 4:14)

When we give in back to God in the weekly collection we also give God the glory. The most important worldly asset we have is our money. When I give properly back to God, I am saying, "God I value the needs of your kingdom more than what I might acquire with this money." This attitude towards our value of God's kingdom is one that Jesus spoke to in Mt. 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

We also should glorify God in our daily lives. in Mt. 5:16, Jesus reminds us, "Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Paul tells us that even in the most basic actions in life we should consider if God is glorified, 1 Cor. 10:31, "Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Do I thank God and praise Him for my food? What about my choice of beverages? Does my indulgence in or abstinence from alcohol glorify God before men?

In all areas of our lives we are to be different than worldly unregenerate sinners. You and I are called to "present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God." Rom. 12:1,2. Does your life bring glory to the God you claim to serve?

In verses 21-23, Paul concludes this letter by referring to the members of the church as "saints." It is unfortunate that the Catholic church has continued the process of confirming dead believers as "saints" on the basis of their works. That is not the new Testament usage of this word. The Greek word actually means "sacred, blameless and consecrated". This is the word that is used to describe living disciples of Christ. They are "the saints of Christ". All who are in Christ are saints.

So how can we in Christ who are still to some extent imperfect sinful people be "sacred", "blameless" and "consecrated"? Sounds like we are perfect, right?

The answer is that we can only be called "saints" if we are truly in Christ. Because it is only by His life, atoning sacrificial death and resurrection that we acquire this state in the eyes of God.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom.3:23) All men are sinners! "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23) This verse makes it clear that the penalty for any sin and all sin is the same, death. This death is both physical death and eternal punishment.

Read Rom. 5:8-10. Here Paul tells us that God loved us so much that He sent Christ to die for us. Also, Jesus' shed blood saves us from punishment and "justifies" us in God's eyes. Because of Jesus' death on the cross we have gone from being "enemies of God" to being "reconciled" to God.

Furthermore, because of our faith in Jesus Christ we are given "the righteousness of God". (Rom.3:21,22) Our own righteousness is not sufficient for our justification in God's eyes, (Isa. 64:6), (Rom. 3:20) But Christ's righteousness which is the righteousness of God is given to us upon belief. (Rom.4:24)

This is why we all must put on Christ? Paul in Gal. 3:27, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." So that we might through our faith put on His righteousness. Paul in Eph. 5:25-27 tells husbands to "love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." You see Christ "sanctifies" and "cleanses" the believer "with the washing of water by the word."

This is why Peter told those who believed in Jesus as Lord and Christ in Acts 2:38, "Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This is why Ananias told Saul of Tarsus (Paul) in Acts 22;16, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Well this explains the "washing with water", but isn't it by the word?

Certainly and that word is the great confession that the believer must make upon baptism. This confession was the answer that Peter gave Jesus in Mt. 16:15-18, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." These two truths is what Jesus said "He would build His church on." He calls them "this rock". (a boulder, Grk.) This is what the believer MUST believe in order to be saved.

So while baptism is a necessary part of the process in which we are saved and become "saints", yet it is the faith expressed in the confession that must accompany this event to make the act of baptism accomplish it's stated purpose. We just like Noah and his family are saved "through water", not "by the water". (1 Pe. 3:20,21) This is how sinful men and women become "sacred", "blameless", and "consecrated". This is how we become "the saints in Christ."

Study Questions:

1. In Paul's doxology to whom should the "glory be, forever and ever."?

2. What four acts of worship are opportunities for us to give God glory?

3. "Let your ________ so shine before ______that they might see your good _____ and give

___________ to your Father in heaven."

4. What did Jesus give that has "justified us" in Rom. 5:9?

5. To become a saint whose righteousness MUST we have?

6. According to Gal. 3:27, How do we "put on Christ"?

7. What MUST we do to "wash away our sins"?

8. What MUST we confess to be saved?

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Ministries TCC supports

Here at TCC we are committed to both local and International Ministries. Our membership currently supports with our time, talents and treasures the following ministries:

* Crisis Control Ministry, Kernersville, NC.

* The Shepherd's House, Kernersville, NC.

* Park Springs Christian Camp, Providence, NC.

* Operation Christmas Child, Boone, NC.

* Team Expansion

* Support our Troops

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Bible Correspondence Courses

TCC offers Bible Correspondence Courses via the mail. These courses are a great tool for increasing your knowledge of God's Truth. If interested please use the Contact tab to let us know your name, mailing address and phone number, so we might assist you.

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The Angel appears to Mary, Luke 1:26-38

Nov. 10, 2021

READ Luke 1: 26-38. The story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is known to most people. The celebration of Christmas has left most people with at least a vague idea about the manner of His birth. But what does the Bible tell us about the earthly arrival of God's Son?

It begins with the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary. This event alone insures us of two vital facts concerning Jesus. First, His life on this earth was ordained and planned by God the Father. Jesus life on this earth was "foreordained before the foundation of the world." (1 Pe. 1:20) God knew before He created the world and all that was in it, that He would one day send His Son to earth to save men from their sins.

Secondly, the plan of God was meticulously worked out by God Himself. There were many things that had to be fulfilled before Christ would come. Every single person whom the Lord would interact with had to be present. Every necessary role had to be filled, ie: a righteous man to serve as Jesus' dad, an emperor who would call for an empire wide census, twelve men that would follow Him during His ministry, including one who would reject and betray Him. It was only when "the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." (Gal. 4:4)

In the events described in Luke 1: 26-38, we begin with God sending the angel Gabriel to the city Nazareth. He is to visit a virgin named Mary who is betrothed (engaged) to a man named Joseph. Joseph was of the family of King David. This was important because it fulfilled the prophecy that the Christ would be of David's lineage. (2 Sam. 7: 12-15, Isaiah 11: 1-5) Equally important is that Mary was a virgin; she had never had intercourse. This is also offered as an objection by Mary to Gabriel in verse 34. You see, this was necessary in order for this Jesus to be the Son of God. This also fulfilled the prophecy found in (Isaiah 7:14). Gabriel explains this process in verse 35, eliminating any possibility that God's Son was in reality the seed of a man.

In verse 31 Mary is told the child will be called "Jesus". Jesus is a variation of the Hebrew name Joshua, it's meaning is "God saves" or "God is salvation". Verse 32, "He will be "great", and will be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David." Again the fulfillment of God's promise to David. However, this throne is not an earthly throne, nor will His kingdom be an earthly kingdom. This different kingdom of which Israel was only a "type", an imperfect shadow of a better thing to come is a spiritual kingdom. It was established on earth as Christ's Church (Mt. 16:16-19). This truth is indicated in verse 33, in the fact that His kingdom will have no end. It is eternal and will continue in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21)

Gabriel mentions to Mary in verse 36 "Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren." Luke has recorded this account of Elizabeth's pregnancy in Luke 1:5-25. Gabriel tells Mary this to reinforce his next words in verse 37, "For with God nothing will be impossible."

One of the greatest witnesses to Mary's heart is found in verse 38. After hearing what Gabriel has said, Mary has no protests. She knows this is God's will for her, her words to the angel are simply, "Behold! the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Mary has a great desire to serve the purposes of God.

STUDY QUESTIONS FROM LESSON ONE:

1. Why was it important that Jesus not be born of an earthly man?

2. When did God realize that He would have to send His Son to save men?

3. Whose throne would God give Jesus?

4. What is the meaning of the Hebrew name Jesus?

5. What power would cause Mary to conceive Jesus?

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The Baptism of Jesus, Mt. 3: 1-17

Jan. 29, 2022

We do not have many details about the Life of Jesus after His birth up to the start of His ministry. We know that while still an infant the Magi came to see this newborn King and shortly thereafter He was taken by Mary and Joseph to Egypt to escape King Herod's attempt to kill Him. (Mt. 2:1-18) After Herod's death Jesus was taken back to Nazareth in Galilee where He would grow to maturity. (Mt. 2: 19-23) Luke in his Gospel records that at the age of twelve Jesus was accidentally left behind in Jerusalem during the Passover. When Mary and Joseph found Him, Jesus was sitting in the temple listening and questioning the teachers; to the amazement of many. (Lu. 2:42-52)

We suspect the rest of Jesus' formative years were as most Israelite males. He went each year to Jerusalem for the Passover. (Lu. 2: 41) He learned carpentry from Joseph. (Mk. 6:3) With no further mention of Joseph after Jesus was left in Jerusalem at age twelve, we assume that by Jesus' entry into adulthood, Joseph had likely died. This would necessitate that Jesus being the eldest of Mary's sons (Mk. 6:3) became the provider for His earthly family.

It is not until the appearance of John the baptist, the forerunner to the Messiah that we learn more about God's Son. John was the son of Elizabeth and Zacharias, relatives of Mary. Jesus was likely a cousin to John. John was approximately six months older than Jesus.

As forerunner to the Messiah, John was to preach the message to Israel that the Messiah was at hand and heartfelt repentance from sin was needed. (Mt. 3: 1-6) The public expression of this repentance was made by one being baptized. Those baptized by John had their sins forgiven by God. (Mk. 1: 4, 5)

There were some who came to John who refused to repent of their sins. Matthew tells us that they were some of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Mt. 3:7-9) John filled with the Holy Spirit from "the womb" (Lu. 1:15) knew those who were genuine in their repentance, just as Jesus knew that which "was in a man." (Jn. 2: 24, 25) So John rebuked them and urged them to "bear fruits worthy of repentance." (Mt. 3: 7, 8)

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Cor. 7:9, 10, that true repentance is the result of "godly sorrow." Godly sorrow is a feeling of remorse that we have sinned against God. True repentance is seen in a changed life; one which no longer conforms to the normal worldly behavior of men. (Rom. 12:2)

When John the baptist saw Jesus he knew immediately that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn. 1: 29, 30) However, John was very reluctant to baptize Jesus. (Mt. 3:14) But, Jesus' response to John, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness", convinced John to baptize Him.

It is here that we find the truth about Jesus' baptism. He did not need to be baptized, because He had no sins to be forgiven of! The Hebrew writer reminds us of the sinless nature of our Lord in Heb. 4:15). This was necessary for Jesus in order to be our atoning sacrifice. He literally had to be a "lamb without spot or blemish." (1 Pe. 1:19) Jesus had to be sinless so that He might bear our sins. (2 Cor. 5:21)

So what did Jesus mean by being baptized "to fulfill all righteousness?" In order for Jesus to be our Savior He had to put on human flesh and become like us. He had to be tempted just as we are. He had to live the whole human experience just like us! He had to submit Himself to the same obedience to God the Father and God's laws and statutes, like any man who wished to please God. God made it clear through John's message that all men needed to repent and be baptized. Jesus being "found in appearance as a man" (Phil. 2:5-8) had to become humble and obedient to God, just like we.

It can rightfully be said that Jesus has given us an example that we should all follow. Today God calls on all men to repent of their sins and be "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) This requirement of God on our lives was validated by Jesus accepting it Himself. The fact that one must repent of their sins when they are baptized rules out infant baptism because an infant is incapable of true repentance.

After Jesus' baptism God gave His own approval to Jesus, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased." (Mt. 3:17) Equally as important "the Spirit of God descended like a dove alighting on Him." (Mt. 3:16) This empowerment of Jesus marked the start of our Lord's ministry to man on the earth.

Study Questions

1. True or False, we know nothing about Jesus' life from age twelve until His baptism by John?

2. True or False, those who received John's baptism were required to repent of their sins?

3. True or False, if repentance of sins is required to be baptized, can infants be baptized?

4. True or False, John did not receive the Holy Spirit until he baptized Jesus?

5. True or False, Jesus had sins until He was baptized by John?

6. True or False, God still requires men and women to "Repent and be baptized?"

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The Temptation of Jesus , Mt. 4: 1-11

Feb. 11, 2022

The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of His ministry. This ministry lasted between three and three and one half years. Jesus would meet much opposition during this time. To prepare Himself for His ministry, Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit to lead Him into the wilderness for the express purpose of being tempted by the devil (Mt. 4:1).

For the next forty days Jesus fasted. He fasted that He might meditate upon all that He would need to accomplish in His ministry. Being in the fleshly nature of an ordinary man (Phil. 2:5-8), it was necessary for Jesus to depend upon God for His direction in this ministry. It was also a show of His dependence on God to sustain Him during this fast. Scripture confirms to us that Jesus always did the will of the Father even though He, like you and I could have refused. (Jn. 8: 28, 29)

After these forty days of fasting were complete the devil came to tempt Jesus. The devil tempts all of us. Most of the time he does so impersonally through common worldly pleasures and desires. This is the very thought that Paul expressed to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. 10:13. However, there are times when the devil himself wants the opportunity to tempt us. Such was the case with Job (Job 1: 11, 12). The devil also requested of Jesus for the opportunity to tempt Simon Peter (Lu. 22: 31, 32). And, so now the devil appears to tempt the Son of God in an effort to destroy our only hope for salvation.

The first of these three temptations posed to Jesus was to alleviate the hunger that He was experiencing from forty days of fasting. However it is worded more as a challenge to the true identity of Jesus; "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." In addition to the temptation to abandon His dependency upon God and fill His own belly, the devil hoped that Jesus might feel the need to furnish proof that He was God's Son and perform a miracle for the devil.

Jesus and the devil were already acquainted. In fact with the devil being a fallen angel, he knew that the Lord Himself had created him because the Lord created all things (Col. 1: 15, 16). Jesus reply to this temptation was, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." This quote is from Deut. 8:3. This is a reminder to each of us that while bread might sustain physical life, eternal life comes by obedience to God's word. The faith necessary for our salvation only comes when we "hear the word of God." (Rom. 10:16)

The devil does not give up easy. His next challenge to Jesus is found in (Mt. 4: 5, 6). The devil takes Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem and places Him at the highest point, approximately 460 feet above the earth. Again, the challenge is "If you are the Son of God." If you are then throw yourself down and capture the attention of everyone!

The devil's temptation is to make Jesus deviate from God's plan. Show everybody who you really are Jesus. Take a short cut and gain a huge following. Interestingly enough in John chapter six, Jesus feeds a multitude and the next day most of them did again follow Him until He started teaching them. You see, they wanted only food for the day, not food for eternity (Jn. 6: 26, 27).

The devil even uses Scripture to give credibility to his challenge. He quotes from (Ps. 91: 11, 12). "Don't worry Jesus! God will rescue you." Jesus' answer is both a rebuke and an affirmation that He as well as the Father are God! "It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God." The lesson for you and I is God's way is always the only way!

For his final effort at trying to cause the Lord to stumble the devil takes Jesus to a high mountaintop. There he shows the Lord all the kingdoms of the earth (Mt. 4: 8, 9). Some may think this impossible. After all there is no mountain in the world that would give anyone this kind of view of the entire population! But the devil is no without his own wonders and signs (2 Thess. 2: 9, 10). "All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me."

Again this temptation offers the Lord a short cut to reaching the entire world. The devil could likely deliver on his promise; he is in a sense the king of this sinful world (Eph. 2:2). The devil hoped that Jesus might buy in to the idea that He could somehow avoid the Cross and all of the pain and suffering for the sins of the world. An attractive option indeed, but again not an option for the Son of God. God had ordained before the creation that Jesus would redeem us with His precious blood (1 Pe. 1: 18-20). There could not be a plan B in our salvation. Only through Christ and His death! The Lord's answer was, "Away with you Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve." (Deut. 6:13)

After the Lord had sent Satan packing we are told in (Mt. 4:11) "angels came and ministered to Him." Just like you and I, Jesus knew that in "the form of man", He must depend on God.

Study Questions:

1. True or False, Jesus' fasting for forty days showed that He trusted God to sustain Him?

2. Is the devil capable of producing wonders and signs?

3. True or False, God had never planned on sending His Son to die for us until after the sin of Adam and Eve?

4. Did all men who witnessed Jesus' miracles follow Him because they believed He would save them?

5. Does the devil ever ask God for permission to tempt us?

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Part Two, What is Heaven like?

Sept. 9, 2019

What does the Bible say that heaven will be like? Men often have their opinions on this subject, yet Scripture tells us accurately what the eternal dwelling place of the saved have to look forward too. In this second part of this topical teaching we look at what life will be like in the city of God, the New Jerusalem.

Look at Revelation 21:9-11 with me. Here, John continues to describe the physical appearance of heaven. "Then one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me, and talked with me saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal."

Just as the church redeemed is the "bride of Christ" in 21:1-4, so too, the actual city, the New Jerusalem is also the "bride of the Lamb." Reality is that you can't have one without the other. A redeemed church, given a glorious resurrection body need a glorious city in which to dwell. A glorious city without citizens submitted to Christ is not a suitable bride for the Savior.

Note that this city descends from out of heaven. This heaven from which it descends is the "third heaven" (2 Cor. 12:2) It is the place where God dwells and those who previously died victorious in Christ live as souls with Christ until the Day of His return to earth. (Rev. 20:4) This is also referred to by the Lord as "Paradise" when He promised the repentant thief on the Cross, "This day you will be with Me in Paradise." (Lu. 23:43) This is also the place the Lord called Abraham's bosom in Lu. 16:23. It is a spiritual realm. This makes sense because "God is Spirit." (Jn. 4:24) So on this glorious day the New Jerusalem known to many as heaven will actually descend from the spiritual realm of God down to the New Earth. The earth which God has recreated. The earth that was subjected to futility (cursed) because of man's sin. (Rom. 8:19-21)

Verse 11 tells us she "has the glory of God"; there is nothing defective, carnal or earthly about her glory. Again it is a glorious city made exclusively for a redeemed people given life eternal and glorious incorruptible bodies. The quality of God's city is beyond compare and human comprehension. This "glory" is God, the Lamb Himself is it's light. (Rev. 21:23) The Jasper stone is a diamond. A diamond is translucent, it not only reflects light, it also refracts light. Refraction occurs when light is re-directed. The city is as dazzling as huge diamonds reflecting and refracting the light of Christ Jesus.

Verses 12, 13 tell us that there are four walls. They are "high walls". How high? Verse 16 states, "twelve thousand furlongs are it's length, breadth and height." This measurement in miles would be 1,500 miles. Why would heaven need walls so high? Could it be in the glorious life that exists here that the streets run not only horizontal, but possibly vertical? Each wall has three gates. Again one must ask why? For what purpose? After all, God's enemies including Satan have already been dispatched to Hell. (Rev. 20:10) The most reasonable answer is found in verse 18, "The construction of it's wall was of Jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." These walls have only one purpose; to reflect and refract the glory of Christ. The glory of Christ Jesus and God the Father are apparent in every detail.

Over each gate there is an angel. He is not there as a sentry, but likely will help us. Perhaps he will greet us as we go in and out of the New Jerusalem. After all there is a "new earth" made by God for our enjoyment. Maybe the angel will recommend beautiful sights and features of this "new earth." Hebrews 1:14 tells us about angels; "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" Perhaps they might be our tour guides.

Each of these walls is set on a foundation of twelve layers (v. 14). These foundations honor the twelve Apostles of our Lord. In verse 17 we are told these walls have a thickness of 144 cubits. This would be 216 feet thick. These walls and their massive foundations are a reflection of the security we will have knowing this eternal home will never be taken from us.

The twelve foundations are adorned with all manner of jewels. Several different colors. Each has one purpose to reflect and refract the glory of God and the Lamb throughout the city. A glorious Savior deserves a glorious city. God and the Lamb will dwell here with us. (21:4)

The buildings of the city according to verse 18 "was gold, like clear glass." Literally you can see through the walls. To humans this might be a source of anxiety, but clothed in an eternal and incorruptible resurrection body, you won't have any cause for embarrassment. Jesus reminds us in Mt. 22:30 we have no sexual identity in heaven, "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven."

The twelve gates are made of pearl. In fact each gate is one massive pearl. (21:21) With man this would be impossible to fathom. But "with God all things are possible." If you search for a meaning in this marvel, I would remind you of a point made by John MacArthur; the only material used in the construction of the New Jerusalem that is the product of a living creature is pearl. Everything else is either a stone or a metal. A pearl is form by an oyster. It is formed in response to an injury. When an oyster is wounded it secretes the pearlescent substance around the offending object. So maybe we can see a great object lesson here in the New Jerusalem every time we enter or exit. Maybe God wants to remind us that we have this glorious eternal dwelling because of the wounds inflicted on His Son on Calvary's Cross. In Isa. 53:5 we are told of Christ's suffering, "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."

It's certainly a possibility. Until next time, God bless you as you grow in His word- David

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What is Heaven like? Pt. One, Revelation 21:1-8

July 23, 2019

Here on earth we call it Heaven. In the realm of Heaven they call it the New Jerusalem. It's the place where Jesus went "to prepare a place" for His disciples. We read about it in Rev. 21. Beginning with verse 1 John begins by telling us what he saw. "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."

The first heaven and first earth has been destroyed. Peter told us this would happen in 2 Pe. 3:10, "But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be be burned up."

Now the old heaven is not the realm of God, but the atmosphere that surrounded the first earth. This is the environment where we see birds and airplanes fly. It along with the old earth are now no more. The timing of this precedes the Great White throne judgment of sinners. This fact is mentioned by John in Rev. 20:11, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them."

The purpose of the destruction of the first heaven and earth was that it had been ravaged by man's sin. In Rom. 8:19-21, "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope: because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." The creation bears the scars of man's sin; pollution, urban sprawl, unsightly scars from various acts of war, greed, and inconsideration. It has borne the Divine punishment of thorns and thistles because of Adam's sin. (Gen.3:17,18). And so it must be made new, just like it's new population, the redeemed of Christ.

In verse 2 John sees, "the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." It is descending out of the heavenly realm of God to the "new earth". Literally, God is going to create Heaven on earth! She is beautiful, like a bride "prepared for her husband." Later in verse 9 John will be invited to take a closer look at "the bride, the Lamb's wife."

Now the question arises, "How can the bride of the Christ the Lamb of God be a city?" Shouldn't His bride be the Church redeemed? Well the easy answer is that His bride is both the physical city and it's citizens. Because both have been made anew. Not only is the city new and beautiful, so too is the believer. He has received his glorious resurrection body, incorruptible and immortal (1 Cor. 15:50-54). In this new body the believer is now conformed to the "glorious body" of Christ (Phil.3:21). Newness is the theme here: New heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem, new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). So the city and it's citizens are one.

In verse 3 we are told, "the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them." In the Old Testament God's presence was found in the "tabernacle", the place where God met with Moses and Joshua. Though God came and spoke with these men, it was incorrect to say that God "dwelt with them". But here we find that God Himself will dwell among the redeemed.

By this time sin and death are no more. Sin no longer is possible here in the New Jerusalem because the saved are now totally sanctified, besides this the nature of the resurrection body is "incorruptible"; it cannot sin, nor can it be tempted to sin. Death is gone, it was thrown in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (Rev, 20:14). Because of this, we have a different kind of life experience; we won't cry, mourn, hurt or be sorrowful. This is truly a "new life". "The former things have passed away". (v.4)

In verse 5 the "new" theme is all the work of God and His Christ. "Behold I make all things new." So appropriate, after all we have new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem, the redeemed are made anew and this life will be brand new and nothing will spoil it. Nothing.

In verses 6 & 7 we find that John is told that the citizens of this wonderful place share two things in common that set them apart from those who were condemned to eternal punishment. First, they thirsted for the "water of life". They wanted eternal life with Christ Jesus more than anything else. More than earthly treasures and more than sinful pleasures. This verse reflects the character and lives that we saw in the "souls" that John saw in Rev. 20:4, "Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands." Here "they" are "them'.

In verse 7 the second thing is that they have overcome. They overcame temptation, fear, doubt, sin and remained faithful to death. The Lord warned the church at Smyrna in Rev.2:10 of impending trials and persecutions. Telling them that some would be thrown into jail and would suffer. Then He reminds them, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." They overcame because they were faithful to Christ and refused to compromise or recant. This is the nature of all the citizens here in the New Jerusalem.

Finally, in verse 8 we are reminded that not everyone will be here. John shares eight sinful behaviors that if left unrepentant will damn one's soul to hell. The cowardly are those whose faith was lacking. It's the same word Jesus used when He rebuked the twelve in Mt. 8:26, it denotes a faith that is lacking. It's a fair bet that these believed in Christ, but simply lacked the faith to remain steadfast and firm in the face of temptation and persecution. The unbelieving are those who never believed in Christ, in the end they reap the wages of unbelief. The abominable are the "ungodly"; their behavior offends God. Those who take innocent life will not be here. Nor will the sexually immoral. The general Greek word "pornois" is also translated "fornicators, whore mongers, and homosexuals. Those who practice witchcraft or satanic rituals won't be there. Neither will be those who worship any god other than the One True God. And "all liars" who fail to repent will not be there. A liar is one who knowingly tells falsehoods; deceivers and false prophets are among the damned in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.

In the end, heaven wouldn't be heaven if God allowed the unrepentant sinner to gain entry in the New Jerusalem. Those who refused to be "born again", "born of water and Spirit" will not be here either. As Jesus states clearly in Jn. 3:5, "Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God." You must be born again, born anew. New is the theme of salvation, both here and there. Next time we will look at the physical description of the New Jerusalem in part two of this teaching. God bless- David

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Should the Bible be our guide for Church doctrine and practice?

June 27, 2019

I recently had a debate with a woman concerning whether a woman was authorized by the Scriptures to preach or hold an elders role in the church. She had been given a theory from a Bible College professor that Paul's directive to Timothy concerning the role of women in 1 Tim. 2:12-15. Here Paul tells Timothy who was a minister at the church in Ephesus, "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control."

Her theory was that since Ephesus was the city with the pagan temple of Artemis (Diana). That possibly a few of the women who served as priestesses in that pagan temple had received Christ and now were desiring to have the same roles in the church that they had at the temple. Some of them lacked a true Holy Spirit gifting for this purpose and had begun to teach things that were contrary to correct doctrine. Thus because of the threat of false teaching Paul imposed a ban on all women holding such roles, but only at Ephesus.

Now there is no "concrete" evidence to prove, nor disprove such a theory. However, one must recognize that the Bible claims to be the product of God through His own Holy Spirit. In 2 Tim. 3:16,17, Paul states, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Peter echoes Paul's affirmation of the Divine inspiration of Scripture in 2 Pe. 1:20,21, "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

So the Bible itself states it is the product of God and came to us through the pens of men who were guided by the Holy Spirit. This is consistent with what our Lord Jesus promised the disciples concerning the role of the measure of the Holy Spirit that they were to receive in Jn. 16:12-15, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has is Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." Note that this measure of the Holy Spirit was promised to the eleven, those who along with Matthias and Paul would be the chosen Apostles of our Lord. God realized the need for an absolute source of Truth. Initially the source were the teachings of the Apostles (Acts 2:42). These teachings DID NOT originate with them, but GOD! The Father told the Son, the Son told the Spirit and the Spirit told the Apostles. As time went on, they as well as Mark, Luke, Jude and James were prompted by the Holy Spirit to record these words for the benefit of the Church for ages to come. This beloved, is how we know that the Bible alone is our complete source for the truth of God!

Many today do not agree with the Bible as being the one source of God's truth. Sadly, many "churches" insist on teaching and practicing things that actually conflict with God's word. Some suggest that somehow men have tampered with the Bible; scribes changing the manuscripts, books that should be recognized not included in the Cannon, verses omitted and as my debater alleges verses not written clearly, but with ambiguity.

Let me submit to you an undeniable truth concerning our Great God beloved. If God is able to resurrect Christ from the grave by His power (Rom. 6:4). If God is able to impose His will on the writers of the Bible. If Jesus Himself plainly stated, "Sanctify them by your truth, Your word is truth." (Jn. 17:17). Shall we believe that God Who can do all things, was not powerful enough to clearly state His truth in Scripture? Shall we also dare think that God is not powerful enough to preserve His truth? This is why now more than ever before we must recognize our only source of truth is the Bible, because it alone is God's word! To that end, any church that supposes that it is the church of His Son MUST stand upon HIS word. Anything else is simply the words of mortal men.- David Miller

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"Do Christians speak in tongues today?" part two

June 26, 2019

Pentecostals allege that the tongues they speak today is a heavenly language. A language that can only be understood by God and the angels. The benefits of this language is said to be that it is a confirmation of one's salvation and it also is a faster way of communicating an urgent prayer for Divine intervention. An example would be if you witnessed a catastrophic car crash; by uttering a quick prayer to God, He could intervene for the individuals involved.

So what does the Bible say regarding "the unknown tongue" and the language or "tongue of angels"? Is this really a heavenly language or is it a gross misinterpretation of Scriptural context?

The only place in NT Scripture where an "unknown tongue" is mentioned is in 1 Corinthians 14:4, KJV, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself, but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." Most translations have dropped the "unknown" because the Greek equivalent is NOT USED in the original manuscript. It was added by the KJV translators because they felt this particular tongue was not the same manifestation as described in Acts 2, where known languages were being spoken.

This verse is a gentle rebuke to those at Corinth who were trying to imitate the tongues that were truly a part of genuine Holy Spirit gifts. This is why Paul in the same sentence points them to the most needful gift of all for the church, the gift of prophesy. Prophesy was given so that all in the church might be edified.

This argument becomes even clearer in 14:6, "But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying or by teaching?" It is really not hard to understand Paul's point; If it is not instructive to the brethren then keep it to yourself. Even the gift of tongues that Paul shared was purposeful and not a mystery! It is important to remember that this entire chapter deals with the correcting of that which was wrong.

Now concerning the "tongues of angels", this appears in 1 Cor. 13:1, where Paul has begun his famous treatise on the value of all things being done in love as opposed to the selfish desire for attention and glory that some at Corinth were seeking. Here in verse one we read, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or clanging cymbal." Here Paul is giving a hypothetical example that those who had placed the actual gift on such a high pedestal could understand. The NKJV here begins with the word "though", but the Greek word that begins this statement is "ean" which clearly means "if". Again the translators of the KJV and NKJV both felt "though" was needed, but it decidedly changes the point of Paul. That point is "If I could speak in all the languages of men and angels." NOT THAT he did speak in the tongues of all men and angels! The context here is still meant to correct a vain and self-glorifying attitude that caused some to imitate the genuine languages that were actual tongues.

As for these tongues being a confirmation of one's salvation. We find on that day when the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in about 15 different languages (Acts 2:8-11) that none of those three thousand who were baptized spoke in tongues. Nor did Simon the sorcerer who was baptized in Acts 8: 9-19 speak in tongues, in fact it isn't until verse 17 that the Apostles had to lay hands on these for them to receive any Holy Spirit gift. In fact the closest Scriptural example to this Pentecostal belief is found in Acts 10: 44-47 where we read, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 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. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Scripture tells us they had only "heard" the word, not yet believing. Peter states plainly, "Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized?" These Gentiles still need baptism to be forgiven of their sins. (Acts 2:38) Hence it is quite clear this singular manifestation of the Holy Spirit gift of the tongues was only a sign to Peter and the believers that God had approved the preaching of the Gospel message of salvation to the Gentiles. They had not been baptized, yet they still needed to be baptized. Thus this event never again duplicated in the NT Scriptures is simply a sign from God to Peter that he could continue and immerse them into Christ.

An accurate conclusion for all based on the Scriptural evidences is as follows: 1.) there is no such thing as a believer speaking in a "tongue of angels" or an "unknown tongue" and 2.) tongues are not a confirmation of salvation as some suggest Acts 10 states, instead it was a one time event meant as a sign to Peter. Further more as we concluded in part one of this teaching, tongues served their purpose a long time ago and as Paul sates in 1 Cor. 13:8, "whether there are tongues they will cease." Why did they cease? Because the time came that the last revelation of God to us had been dutifully recorded and preserved in a book we commonly know as the Bible.

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Do Christians speak in tongues today? part one

April 9, 2019

In Mark 16:17,18 Jesus gives us signs that would be common among believers in the infancy of His Church. Here Jesus says, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Most Churches today are of the belief that such works of the Holy Spirit are not manifest in believers. However there are some, mainly Pentecostals that fervently maintain that at the very least every believer will speak in tongues. In fact many Pentecostals believe that the ecstatic display of speaking in tongues is the evidence that an individual has been saved.

As is the case with any issue spoken of in Scripture, it is necessary that we have a complete understanding of what Scripture actually says. After all Scripture is all-sufficient. The Apostle Paul verifies this truth for us in 2 Tim. 3:16,17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." With this in mind let us see what Scripture says about the gift of speaking in tongues.

The first occurrence of tongues being spoken among believers happened on the day of Pentecost. This was one of the gifts that was given to those who received this outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day.

So who received this gift? Was it all the disciples of Jesus? Or was it only some? Some have erroneously concluded that since Acts 2:1 begins, "When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."; that this must be all of the disciples. However, we find that the final thought given in the previous verse (1:26) is that Matthias was included as one of the twelve Apostles. This proof that it is only the twelve Apostles who received this baptism of the Holy Spirit and it's gifts becomes clear when we arrive at Acts 2:14 where Luke tells us, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven,". Again we see those who were present among the believers were the Apostles.

A second question which is pivotal in our understanding of why the gift of tongues was needful is "What were these tongues?" This question is answered here in Acts 2:8, where those who heard these tongues uttered by the Apostles say, "and how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?" Obviously these tongues were known languages of people of various nations. Luke even gives us a list of fifteen different regions and nations in Acts 2:9-11; further proof these utterances were languages and not some celestial language as Pentecostals maintain.

It is a given that the purpose in these tongues was to proclaim the saving message of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. That is too obvious to be misunderstood. You had people present who did not speak Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic, the three languages common in Judea. Without this working of the Holy Spirit then the Gospel could not have been proclaimed with success.

So the question that anyone who maintains that tongues are still spoken today must answer is this: "What purpose would this gift be to our generation?" After all, God would never give us a useless gift, would He? Consider that today we have the ability to proclaim the Gospel message in every language! We can do this without this manifestation. Today God's word is available in every known language and men and women have the means to learn every known language.

With this in mind let us look at what the Apostle Paul told the Church at Corinth about the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge. In 1 Cor. 13:8, "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." Paul makes it clear these three specific gifts would end. They were temporary. Given to an infant Church that did not have the complete Scriptures of the New Testament, nor the ability to communicate them and their gift of salvation to the whole world as the Lord had commanded them in Mt. 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." These tongues were specifically given for this purpose.

When we continue this teaching in part two we will look at what the Pentecostals falsely believe about the "language of angels." Until next time, God bless and keep you. -David Miller

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Sin and Suffering Part Two

April 1, 2019

In part one of this teaching regarding Sin and Suffering we discovered that both sin and suffering are the result of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. All creation was corrupted. The very mind set of man was corrupted as well. This accounts for suffering and evil that exists in our world today. Now in part two we examine the impact that the free will of man has on sin and suffering in our world.

From the very beginning God made man with the ability to choose to do right or wrong. To obey God or disobey God. To treat his fellow man well or to do him great harm. Man is an agent of free will. This freedom of choice that man has to exercise in his life serves the highest glory when man chooses to love, worship and serve God. But when man chooses to sin against God or his fellow man, evil and suffering can be the result.

A man chooses to drive while drunk and an innocent life perishes. A man chooses to rob a store, the clerk resists and another life tragically ends. An innocent wife is infected with HIV by her unfaithful husband. An unborn infant dies when his mother chooses abortion 15 weeks after conception. All these are the result of the choices that men and women make.

What if God did not allow us to choose? Would our lives be better? I think not. Without the capacity to choose what would our lives be like? Without choice we would eat the same food. We would have no chance to better ourselves. No choice in who we marry. What would games, sports and other competitive events look like? Certainly safer, but better?

Along with the capacity to make poor and evil choices comes the capacity to choose wisely and decide to help others. I could not choose to stop and help the elderly couple with the flat tire. I couldn't choose to donate my blood or a kidney to show my compassion for someone dying. I couldn't choose to sacrificially give to help someone in a financial crisis. Perhaps the greatest loss for a world without free will is that you and I could not choose to love someone and act with only their best interests in mind.

Our relationship with God would be sadly different as well. You see God has everything He needs. There is absolutely nothing that God needs from me. But there is something He desires from me. More than anything else God desires me to love Him. Literally this is the only gift any of us can ever give to God. But, take away my free will and I am nothing but a robot. Nothing I will do will be done from love, but from the compulsion of instinct.

Most of all our free will allows us to comprehend God's love for us. In Rom. 5:6-8 the Apostle Paul writes, "For while we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us." Without the freedom to reject God, could we ever experience the joy and comfort of knowing God's "own" love for us? A love like none other?

In conclusion while eliminating the freedom to choose would make life less painful and tragic, we would still experience a different kind of loss that would also be tragic. That loss is the freedom to choose to follow Christ Jesus, be saved from our sins and love God. Without the ability to understand the love behind God's sacrifice we would never know the greatest love of all. That is the love of God. David Miller

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Sin and Suffering, part one

March 18, 2019

Many people struggle with the question "Why does a good God allow evil and suffering to exist in a world that He created?" This is an age old question. After all if God is indeed good and loves man why does He allow man to suffer?

The answer begins in the story of God's creation of the world and man. In Genesis 1:31 God at the conclusion of His creating the world declares that everything was good, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." In stating that everything was good, God affirms that this was how He desired and designed all things to be. Nothing was less than it should be. Nothing was lacking.

The ideal creation also included an ideal man and woman. Their relationship with all things was perfect. In Gen. 2:25 we are told, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." Why were they not ashamed? Because they were innocent as children. Every thought was pure, holy and God-honoring. They had no desire to exploit or deceive one another. No ego, no pride, no feeling of competition and no desire to dominate the other.

But all that changed when Adam and Eve sinned. Sin brought immediate consequences. "Their eyes were opened." In an instant they recognized their base desires and felt and looked at their nakedness in a very different way. Gen. 3:7 tells us, "they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings." In the next verse we find them hiding from God. The same God whom they previously walked with and trusted they now HID THEMSELVES FROM. Sin changed how they thought. They were no longer godly and accepting of each other, but now motivated by shame and fear they thought selfishly according to what they now felt was best for them as individuals.

All sin comes from selfish motives. We steal to gain. We kill out of anger and fear. We lie to escape accountability or to gain the smallest measure of the opinion of others. We lust to satisfy unhealthy desires. We covet the things of others because we resent their success and prosperity.

Adam and Eve's sin brought curses upon life that punish all. In Gen. 3:16, Eve brought affliction on all women; their pain in childbirth was multiplied and their marital relationship with the husband would be marked by "a desire" to be in control of him. Because of Adam, men would find the soil cursed with thorns and thistles. An occupation that once was a work of love would now be a work of great labor. And because of Adam's sin in v.19 man and woman "would return to the ground"; meaning they would die.

Pain, labor, contention in relationships, a world that is cursed and the certainty of death. These are all the consequences of sin. And it is passed on to all men regardless of what they do, good or bad. In Rom. 5:12-14 we read, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned- For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come,"

So as we come to the end of part one of this study, we see that the first sin brought the consequences of sin into the world and they are shared by all who live. We also find that the innocent nature which God placed in man was lost when sin entered the world. Also we find that every relationship that man has is cursed because of sin.

In part two we will examine the impact of the free will of man on the problem of suffering and evil in the world that God made. I hope you will join us then. - David Miller

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What does the Bible say about the Lord's Supper?

March 13, 2018

There are many opinions concerning the partaking of the Lord's Supper, commonly known as the Communion. The vast majority of Protestant denominations do not partake of this act of worship on a weekly basis, citing a concern that somehow it might lessen the impact of this event in the spiritual lives of their congregants. The Roman Catholic Church has long held to the belief that once the emblems (the bread and the cup) have been properly blessed by a priest and are consumed by the believer, they then become the literal flesh and blood of Our Lord. But what does the Bible say concerning this? After all, the Bible ought to always be our authority on all spiritual matters.

First, the Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus, Himself on the night that He was betrayed. Matthew, Mark and Luke each record this event. Paul also recounts the event as well in 1 Cor. 11:23-32. And for our purpose we will use this account.

"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; 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."

"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." 1 Cor. 11:23-25

Here are the points that the Lord makes. First, the bread and the cup are emblematic of His body and His blood. The point that they are emblems is made clear by the Lord's statement, "Do this in remembrance of Me." This makes it clear that the objective hear is for the believer to "remember" the Lord's sacrificial death on the Cross. A death that Christ died in the flesh. The idea that the Lord's flesh and blood is what is consumed is absent from the Lord's words. It is the symbolic ritual that is in mind here.

Second, the Lord makes a point of reminding us that the cup "is the new covenant in My blood." Jesus' death on the Cross fulfilled the first covenant, the covenant made by God with Abraham. It replaced this covenant with a New Covenant. Why? Because the first was imperfect. Heb. 8:7, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second." This covenant offers us "eternal redemption" through His death. Heb. 9:12, "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." The price of this covenant was the blood (life) of Christ Jesus. It is certainly the "why" of "Why we partake?" By reason of logic those who partake must be those who are now under this New Covenant, those who have through belief, repentance of sins and baptism have had their sins removed and have been born again by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Jn. 3:3-6)

Now let's continue our look at what additional comments Paul the Apostle makes in 1 Cor. 11:26-29, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."

First, Paul tells us that this observance is an ongoing act of worship that the church should continue to observe "till He comes." Obviously this coming is the Lord's return to claim His Church. While this is certainly not a "Thou shalt do this every week." it certainly implies a regular event. Compare this with what Luke the author of Acts states in Acts 20:7, "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight." It seems that the purpose of the Church of Troas' coming together is by context, to "break bread." The fact that this occurred at such a late hour likely rules out this being a meal. The more likely meaning is that they came together to partake of the Lord's Supper and their custom was to do this weekly.

Secondly in verse 26 Paul states a second purpose in this observance, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." Here we find that the Church is in this act of worship "proclaiming the Lord's death." In essence we are bearing witness to the world that Christ Jesus has died for our sins.

Thirdly, Paul warns all that those who partake must be mindful not to partake "unworthily". To do so will bring judgment upon the offender. The reason why is given to us in verse 29, they are "not discerning the Lord's body." The likely offense here is that the offender did not pause to remember the suffering and death of the Lord. After all it is His body "broken for us" and the cup of His shed blood to give us redemption that we partake of.

But there is a second and equally valid interpretation that may also apply to "not discerning the Lord's body". We know the Church is the Lord's body as well, (1 Cor. 12:27, Eph. 5:30). So what if this "not discerning the Lord's body" also refers to those who have sinned against their fellow believers and have yet to repent and ask for forgiveness?

Consider the Lord's teaching in Mt. 5:23,24, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there, before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Jesus is literally saying that offenses against our brethren that we have not made right will make our worship to God null and void. This is why He states so clearly a need to go and be "reconciled" before God's throne is approached. Should not the same mandate apply to the Lord's disciples when they come together at the Lord's table? In each instance we are entering into an act of worship and fellowship (communion). My firm belief is that Paul's warning of "not discerning the Lord's body" is two-fold. First I MUST remember the Lord's death for me. Second I MUST NOT be at odds with a brother in Christ. After all, this act of worship is just as much a corporate act as an individual act.

In summary the Lord's Supper should be observed as part of the Sunday acts of worship. We do in fact assemble because Christ died for us. It would be fruitless to even attend church services if Christ did not die to save us! So why not proclaim His death to the world each Sunday? Are we so weak in our conviction that we fear an inability to pause and remember His death? This weekly reminder can only make a Church stronger.

Also, this observance is a memorial. The emblems are only symbolic, but no less important to the truly regenerate. To read any type of supernatural purpose or experience of transubstantiation into this act of worship is just that; to be reading something in the text that is absent!

Finally, it is a serious occasion. It requires us to "discern" our remembrance of our Savior's death and our relationship with our brethren. If either is not present then we ought to decline that invitation to partake until we can do so in good conscience.David Miller

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Sexual Immorality within the body of Christ

March 5, 2019

Just last week the United Methodist Church at it's conference in St. Louis narrowly voted not to recognize same-sex marriage or to ordain homosexuals into their clergy. In the days since there has been much emotional response and comment concerning these decisions in various media. Many are deeply hurt because they had found acceptance in these churches. Many are hurt at the prospect of seeing many exit their churches. Many are beginning to express their desire to see their church stand more on Scripture than cultural norm. All are very concerned. So with all of this in mind, let's talk about Scripture, the Church and sexual immorality.

The very first time that God speaks regarding sexual orientation is found in Gen. 1:27, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." It is expressed here that God's design at the time of creation was that human sexual identity should be found in how we are created; either male or female. Clearly God is the one who chooses.

Next we find that God ordains marriage. In Gen. 2:23,24, "And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Adam readily understood that the woman was made for the man and God had made her to be so. With the coming together of man and woman in sexual consummation they are no longer two, but one flesh. The implication is that a family has been established and a bond has been forged.

Jesus understood this as well, and He publicly upheld God's original design for marriage in Mt. 19:4-6. This is very important, because concerning the UMC's acceptance of homosexuality in the past was three contentions: 1.) The Apostle Paul wrote concerning sexual immorality with a "cultural bias", 2.) The Levitical texts found in Lev. 18 concerning homosexuality were intended only for members of the priesthood, and 3.) Jesus NEVER spoke directly concerning homosexuality.

Understand that the context in Mt. 19 in which Jesus affirmed God's design for marriage was given because the Pharisees had advocated "divorce for any reason". They were attacking God's design on the grounds that Moses had given them an allowance for divorce. Jesus' point is that "from the beginning it was not so." (19:8) What Jesus is stating is very clear; Man has no right to alter or change God's design. Therefore if the only design that God ever gave for human sexuality is within the confines of Scriptural marriage ( a man and a woman ) then man HAS NO RIGHT to redefine human sexuality or marriage. God's model is still God's model. Any sexual relationship other than that model is wrong. It does not matter if it is adultery, fornication, pedophilia, beastiality, homosexuality or lesbianism it is by virtue of not being God's model; sexual immorality.

So are there other reasons why God does not want any other model for human sexuality? Yes there is. In 1 Cor. 6:15-20, the Apostle Paul affirms that once we belong to Christ our body as well as our soul belongs to Christ and we are obligated to: "glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's". In verses 18,19 Paul states, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" When we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ we not only receive the remission of our sins, we also are given the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us. (Acts 2:38, Jn.14:21-23) Our bodies become a "temple"; they are set apart for the purposes of God! When we commit acts of sexual immorality we are literally desecrating God's Temple! Again, remember God has given only ONE MODEL for human sexuality. Any other sexuality besides the sexual activity between a man and a woman in marriage is not the model and is sexual immorality.

Also, we find that a church cannot have fellowship with anyone who fails to repent and ask forgiveness of their sexual immorality. In 1 Cor. 5:1-13 Paul commands in the strongest language that the church must expel a brother who was in an adulterous relationship. Paul makes it clear that his sin must be called out in front of the church assembled. (5:4,5) He also warns that they are obligated to protect the body of Christ. (the church) In v. 6 he states, "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump." His concern is two-fold; 1.) other brethren might see this as an acceptable lifestyle and be caught up in this kind of sin, and 2.) the church would lose their credibility as Christ's church if they behaved as the rest of the sinful Corinthian culture. The church must always break fellowship with any who continue to bring reproach on her by their public sins. Paul again in 2 Cor. 6:14 states, "What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" SIN IS ALWAYS DARKNESS.

So what should be the response of a Church towards those who are practicing any form of sexual immorality. First, we have an obligation to love them; sin is the enemy, not the sinner. If we love them and make them welcome when they visit our churches then we are showing Christ's love for them. Secondly, when the topic of becoming a Christian or placing membership is approached we should be very forthcoming with the truth revealed to us in Scripture. In becoming a Christian we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38) Sexual immorality is a sin. Also in the very act of baptism we are to die to sin. (Rom. 6;4-6) We cannot expect to be saved if we wish to continue in any sinful habit. (Rom. 6:1,2) We must also express our confidence that with the help of Christ Jesus we can overcome any sin issue in our lives including sexual sins. And we should strive to make help, support and pastoral counseling available once Christ is received in baptism. In Christ Jesus there is love and transformation. (Gal. 2:20, Rom. 12:1,2)

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Why should all believers be baptized? Part Three

March 3, 2019

In our two previous lessons on baptism we have focused on the flaws of objections to baptism. In today's study we want to look at what other Scriptures that we have not previously looked at tell us about the believer's need for Christian baptism.

In Romans chapter six the Apostle Paul gives us several powerful statements concerning what baptism does for us. Turn to Rom. 6:3-6, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."

The first significant truth that Paul shares with us is that "we are baptized into Christ." This same image of us putting on Christ is also stated in Gal. 3:27, where Paul states, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." To say that "we have put on Christ" is to establish that we have a new identity in Christ. Secondly Paul in v. 4 tells us that in baptism we experience a death. This death is equated by Paul in v.6 to be "the old man of sin" being "crucified" with Christ. In Col. 3:3, Paul writes, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Again a death has occurred and we are hidden or covered by Christ Jesus! This is how it can be said that we "walk in newness of life." Thirdly in v.5 it is plainly stated that "if we are united in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection." The meaning here is that as Christ was resurrected so to in like manner we will be resurrected. But only if we have also shared in the likeness of His death! And finally, we are now held in captivity by sin (v.6). This is not just our release from the sinful habits we have, but also, and more importantly we are set free from the consequences of sin; which is death, Rom. 6:23.

In 1 Peter 3:20,21 we read, "who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an anti-type which now saves us- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Here Peter is drawing a comparison between the ark which saved Noah and his family and baptism which now is the final step in the process of our salvation. Peter states that baptism is the anti-type of the ark. But what does that mean? In Col. 2:16,17 we read, "So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." The OT covenant was full of types and shadows; less than perfect ceremonies, observances and food and drink laws. Each of these types in the OT have a more perfect anti-type in the New covenant of Christ. In this case the ark was a less than perfect version of baptism because the salvation it gave was only temporary. Ultimately Noah and his family would die. On the other hand, the anti-type, baptism now saves more perfectly; for it saves us eternally. We must note that while both work "through water", it is incorrect to say we are saved by water. In fact Peter states "but the answer of a good conscience toward God." In other words; we are not saved by the water, but in the act of baptism we have properly answered or said "yes" to His offer to save us. We can conclude from this passage, just as Martin Luther did that "in the waters of baptism we receive the forgiveness of our sins."

Finally, let's take a quick look at what Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) stated that he was told by Ananias that he must do. In Acts 22:10 Saul states that the Lord told him, "Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do." Again remember this is the Lord Jesus speaking to Saul. He makes it clear to Saul that he (Saul) will be "told all things which are appointed for you to do." This means simply; whatever Ananias tells you, that you MUST DO! In 22:16 after Ananias has told Saul of the plans that God has for his new life in Christ, he then tells Saul in the form of an imperative command, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord."

Though God had Saul's future mapped out we find there was one thing that Saul had to do. He had to be baptized. This baptism was to "wash away" his sins. Here the effect of baptism presented by Ananias is the same as the effect of baptism presented by Peter on Pentecost. To achieve the removal of his sins or the forgiveness of sins. Ananias also here equates the act of baptism as "calling on the name of the Lord", quite similar as the "answer of a good conscience toward God" in 1 Pe. 3:21; in each case it is the Lord who grants this salvation through the act of baptism as opposed to the physical act being the agent of our salvation.

Did your obedience to the invitation of our Lord's salvation include being "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?" If not, Triad Church of Christ would love to help steer you into the proper form of obedience to the gospel of Christ. Let us know either with a call or by e-mail how we can assist you in taking that final step of obedience that you might know that you are saved!God bless, David Miller

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Why should all believers be baptized? Part Two

March 1, 2019

In our previous study "Why should all believers be baptized? Part One we spoke of no part of God's word (the Bible) ever contradicting another part of God's word. The Holy Spirit of God is the assurance that though some Scriptures may present challenges, they in no way contradict other Scriptures. In our second part of our study on "Why should all believers be baptized?" we will focus on the chief argument against baptism's role in salvation. This argument is that baptism is a "work of man" and therefore cannot save or contribute to our salvation.

This doctrine never surfaced until some 1500 years after Peter offered the first invitation to be saved in the name of Jesus Christ and stated clearly to those who responded to his message on Pentecost, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." It was Huldreich Zwingli who first put forth this doctrine of salvation by faith only.

Surprisingly, Zwingli's German counterpart, Martin Luther who is highly regarded by most denominations differed with Zwingli, taking the historical view that baptism is a "saving work of God". In fact, Luther states, "Through baptism man is saved." ( Small Catechism IV:6)

Zwingli's main contention is based on what Paul states in Eph. 2:8,9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast." Zwingli's assumption is that anything which a man does to receive salvation is a "work of man." This would certainly seem to contradict what Paul clearly states here in Eph. 2: 8,9.

But there is a key question that must be asked here. That question is: "Can someone other than God perform a work of God?" Look at John 6:27-29. Here Jesus has just fed 5,000 people and they are now determined to make Him their King. And for good reason;p Jesus could feed the whole nation of Israel with the most insignificant amount of food. Now Jesus is determined to shift their focus from the temporary needs of this earthly life to the eternal need of every man. The need of salvation.

"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal upon Him. Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

Here Jesus makes it clear that there is a "work of God" that MAN MUST DO in order to have "everlasting life". That work is "to believe in Jesus".

This "work of God" is faith, just as Paul stated in Eph. 2:8,9. But what manner of work is this? Is it not an act of obedience? Bear in mind this faith that Paul speaks of in Eph. 2:8,9 is not "the gift of God", grace is. Neither here in John 6:29 is this faith (believe) a gift. It is said by Jesus to be "the work of God". So obviously, this type of work, though said to be a "work of God", MUST BE DONE BY MAN.

So it should logically follow that any acts of obedience that the Bible tells us we need to do to receive salvation should fall under the category of a "work of God." Therefore, when Peter commanded those who cried out for salvation from the wrath of God and the penalty of their sins on the day of Pentecost, that they "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) he was telling them to do these acts of obedience because they are "works of God." When viewed properly as "doing the works of God" baptism is kept in the same role in which it was practiced by the Apostles and subsequent generations of the Church for the first 1,500 years of it's existence. And is in no way in conflict with what Paul writes in Eph. 2: 8,9.

As always, if you desire to speak with me on this subject or others, feel free to send me an e-mail through our contact page at this website. Until next time, God bless you richly.

David Miller

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Why should all believers be baptized? Part One

Feb. 27, 2019

The necessity of baptism of the believer has been debated since the Reformation Movement. Many churches see no reason to baptize, believing that a simple prayer to God asking for forgiveness of sins and for "Jesus to come into their hearts" is sufficient.

It would come as a surprise to most members of American denominations to learn that the church practiced baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins for nearly 1,500 years. This only changed when a Swiss reformer, Huldreich Zwingli formulated a doctrine that contrary to Scripture teaches that baptism cannot be for the purpose of salvation because it is a "work of man" and the total work of atonement has been done for us through Christ Jesus. Zwingli primarily based his conclusion on a faulty understanding of Ephesians 2:8,9, where the Apostle Paul states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Zwingli's objection was based on the notion that anything that a man might do in an effort to receive this gift is a work and thus violates the concept of salvation being a gift. Essentially he saw this as discrediting God.

There are two things that must be recognized about baptism in the writings and practices of the early church that put the Zwinglian view at odds with NT Scripture. One of the primary assumptions that any student of God's word must observe when handling the Scriptures is that no part of Scripture will ever be in conflict with another part of Scripture. If this is the case then God's word would be contradicting itself! This would lead some to discredit the Bible as God's word based on the conclusion that some passages are in opposition to others. The Bible must have agreement and harmony on every subject if it is indeed God's word.

So with this in mind, let's take a look at what the Apostles of the Lord Jesus practiced and preached concerning baptism and salvation on day one of the church that Christ established. Look at Acts 2:37,38. Here we find that Peter has just stated that his audience was responsible for the murder of Jesus, who was (is) the Son of God and their long awaited Christ (Messiah). They had rejected Him and thereby participated in His murder! (v.36)

Now Luke tells us of the response of the audience that day, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, What shall we do?" "Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Now understand that Peter along with the rest of the twelve Apostles had received the Apostolic measure of the Holy Spirit that day. Not only did this special measure of the Holy Spirit enable them to preach to others in their own languages, per Acts 2: 7,8, but just as importantly they were "guided into all truth" by this measure of the Holy Spirit. This was promised to the Apostles by the Lord Himself in Jn. 16:13 where Jesus told them, "However when He the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will tell you of things to come."

Now with this knowledge that the Holy Spirit personally guided and led the Apostles into "all truth", it would be impossible for Peter to have given an answer in Acts 2:38 that WAS NOT THE TRUTH! Because he was under the direction of the Holy Spirit. What Peter stated was exactly what God had directed him to state through the Holy Spirit.

What Peter told them was directly given to him by the Holy Spirit. In order to be saved from God's wrath and punishment these men MUST do two things; 1.) repent of their sins, and 2.) be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins and so they might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. How important are these two benefits that Peter promised through baptism? They are essential. They must occur if one is to be saved! One must have their sins remitted (forgiven) and one must have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in order to be "born again" as Jesus stated to Nicodemus in Jn. 3:5, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." The only way to be saved is to be "born again". The only way to be born again is to be "born of water and the Spirit." There is NO OTHER act in Scripture that a believer is told to do that fulfills these requirements! NONE.

To deny one baptism for the remission of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit is in direct conflict with what the Apostles taught and practiced beginning on the day of Pentecost. It is also to dispute that the Holy Spirit gave proper instruction to Peter. It is to say that the hand chosen Apostles of our Lord, in spite of the direction of the Holy Spirit somehow got the answer to the most important question WRONG!

In part two of our study we will look at the question, "Is baptism a work of man or a work of God?" Should you desire to speak with me personally on this topic or present another question to me, please feel free to contact me through the contact page here at triadcc.org. Until next time, may God bless you richly.

David Miller

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"Who do you say Jesus is?" Mt. 16: 13-23

"Questions?" Jan. 22, 2023

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"How can I be sure I'm saved?" Luke 10: 25-37

"Questions?" December 24, 2021

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"Our One Hope" Eph. 4:4

Sermon Feb. 3, 2019

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"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- Unless indeed you are disqualified." 2 Cor. 13:5

"Christians are not perfect, only forgiven." The quote is not attributed to anyone, yet it is just as true as Scripture. In spite of the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and the on-going work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are still vulnerable to sin. While the grace of God will cover our sins provided that we ask for forgiveness, we must realize that God's will for our lives is that we be free from sin and "slaves to righteousness." Rom. 6:17,18.

But what about sinful habits that we become complacent about? What about those areas of our lives that seem to always be a "work in progress"? Are there consequences for the Christian who seems to continue in sin?

Paul's reminder to us in 2 Cor. 13:5 should be a sobering reminder that our daily walk with Christ might very well be a daily struggle to overcome sin. Paul himself acknowledged the possibility that even he could be "disqualified", 1 Cor. 9:27. Wow! If the greatest missionary the world has ever known, the man who wrote nearly two thirds of the New Testament could be "disqualified" by sin, how much more can most of us?

Now don't start out on a never-ending guilt trip just because you recognize that you too have reoccurring sin issues in your life. While that is not what God wants, the very fact you recognize them means you are still capable of true heartfelt repentance. This alone means that God will still forgive you when you go to Him daily for help and forgiveness. 2 Cor. 7:10, Jas. 5:16.

The advice Paul gives us to "examine ourselves" is needful to all. After all, we all want to please God. Self examination not only leads to true repentance, but to a greater desire to improve oneself. Intense prayer accompanied by regular fasting can be a great tool for overcoming these sin issues. Finding a trusted brother or sister in Christ in whom you can confide your needs to, is well within the context of Jas. 5:16. Therefore examine yourselves to see if you re in the faith. May God bless you richly.

David

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Mt. 5:223,24 "Therefore if you bring your gift before the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Growing up with a brother two years younger than myself I discovered that I could play the part of the bully anytime I wanted to play with something that he was playing with. I'm sure he would agree that I got away with that kind of behavior frequently.

But sometimes I got caught. And when I got caught there were consequences. Usually a "switching" or a few lashes with Dad's belt. This was their way of keeping peace in the family. And over time it worked. By the time I had entered the teenage years I recognized that if my relationship with my brother wasn't good, then my relationship with my father would not be good either.

Jesus makes it clear to all who desire to worship God the Father that our relationship with our church brethren must be good. If it isn't then there will be a major consequence; God won't accept our worship!

Just as there will be relationship issues in any earthly family, there will, from time to time be relationship issues between members of the family of God. When we ignore our wrongs against our brethren there are two huge risks we run. First we risk causing the brother we have hurt to stumble or fall. But even if he doesn't fall God will still hold us accountable for making things right. His punishment is that He won't receive our worship.

So how would you like to have to explain to God someday why you refused to apologize to another member of the body of Christ? The easy answer is that we wouldn't like that task. But yet, hear what Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." I think this knowledge really puts everything in proper perspective. Don't you? Think about it.

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"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." Col. 3:17. So you talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? It's a question we who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must ask ourselves periodically. Is my life wholly surrendered to treating others with love and dignity, regardless of how they may treat me? Or do I just love those who love me. You know Jesus said, "Even the tax collectors do the same." Mt. 5:46

What if everyone I ran into today was Jesus? My boss, my wife, the clerk at the store, the guy who delivers my pizza, or even the couple that live next door. Would I act differently? I'm sure I would.

The truth is that anyone I encounter ought to receive my brightest smile. Don't they all deserve an encouraging word? Would I complain as much as I currently do if Jesus was my foreman? Of course not. Jesus would always get a cheerful employee ready to do a good days work.

The point is this; Jesus wants everyone I serve, work for or encounter to get the royal treatment. Be my best, do my best to everyone I come in contact with. That is so unlike the rest of the world. Right? But, then again Jesus expects us to be different from the world. The Greek word for "church" means "the called out". And that is exactly what Jesus wants you and I to be. Called out of the world, called out of sin and called out of our self-interest. So glorify Christ Jesus in all you do!

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"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen." Mt. 6:13. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray in Mt. 6:8-15 He clearly asks that they pray, "Lead us not into temptation." The question arises, "Why would a God who loves us and desires the best for us ever lead us into temptation?" To say the least it seems as if this is contrary of a loving God. But yet we know these words are the words of the Savior and therefore must be true.

The answer would seem to be that while God does not tempt us Himself, He does at times "test" us. This was true of Abraham in Gen. 22:1-14, when He asked Abraham to "offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering." In this instance, while God asked Abraham to do something immoral and contrary to God's general character, God would have never allowed Abraham to actually sacrifice his son. In short, Abraham could only fail this test if he never purposed in his heart to offer up Isaac.

Temptation, on the other hand comes from within. James verifies this for us in Jas. 1:12-15. James clearly states that the source of temptation comes from our own "desires". Sinful desires are a part of the sinful nature of man. A nature that should in time change after one has obeyed the Gospel of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom.12:2

Our perspective on temptation is often incorrect. Because James tells us in Jas. 1:12 that there is a "crown of life" to be gained if we love Christ more than any pleasure or treasure that yielding to temptation might bring. Paul reminds us as well that "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Literally God always gives us an escape hatch.

So while God does test us, it is our own sinful desires that tempt us. It is a mark of Christian maturity when we pass the test and refuse to submit to sin.

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Most of us can honestly say that we have received many things of which we are grateful for. Perhaps it was a birthday or Christmas present that we really wanted. Maybe it was job that we desperately needed. Maybe it was a stranger who saw we were having car trouble and came to our rescue. It might have been a debt that we couldn't pay that we were forgiven of.

Whatever the case, we likely expressed our gratitude with very sincere thank yous, maybe a card, or a small heartfelt gift. A former neighbor whose small yard adjoined mine once baked me a pan of brownies because I had mowed their small yard every time I mowed mine one summer. The brownies were delicious and it felt good to be appreciated.

But in some instances we have likely found that we could never do or say enough for someone else' act of kindness. Such was the case in Luke, chapter seven, when Jesus was invited to the home of a Pharisee named Simon. As Jesus sat at the table, a woman who was known by Simon to be a sinner, likely a prostitute came to Jesus and washed his feet with her tears. She then dried the Lord's feet with her hair. Then taking an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, she anointed His feet with this oil.

Jesus, knowing what was in Simon's heart told him a story of two men who owed sums of money to a certain creditor. One owed 500 denarii, the other 50. The creditor forgave both because neither had the money to pay him. Jesus then asked Simon, "which of them will love him more?" Simon logically stated, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."

After Jesus had reminded Simon of all that the woman had done to show her love for Him and reminded of the social customs which Simon had failed to show the Him, Jesus then amplified Simon's own answer to the Lord's story. In Lu. 7:47, "Therefore I say to you, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

You and I owed God a debt that we could not pay. That debt was paid by Jesus, though Jesus owed nothing to us. Paul pointed to this in Rom. 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly." Does your life show the kind of gratitude that the sinful woman showed Christ?

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The times we live in are quite dangerous! Just watch the news on a regular basis and you will know what I mean. Recently I heard a news report which informed me that over the weekend fifty-nine people had lost their lives in the greater Chicago area because of gun violence. This was not the total of one mass shooting, but instead, a person here and a person there.

When we hear such terrible news, we often feel a need arm ourselves that we might defend ourselves. We do have a constitutional right to do so. But how does God feel about a child of God who is prepared to wound, injure or kill another human being?

In the Old Testament God's people not only defended themselves as individuals, but as a nation as well. Some of God's best known servants wielded the sword. Abraham did. Joshua did. David did. Of course they for the most part acted on God's will.

But what of God's will for His people today? The Lord Jesus told His followers to "turn the other cheek" Mt. 5:39, and to "love your enemies", Mt. 5:44. Do we as Christ's followers REALLY feel that way? Are we prepared to set aside our rights when we are threatened?

Paul instructed the church in Philippi to, "Do all things without complaining or disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Phil. 2:14,15.

So here is the wisdom of God concerning our right to kill or hurt others in an effort to defend ourselves. First, the only threat to you and I comes from those who are sinners. Those who are not God's children. Secondly, we are called to SHINE as lights in this world. We are to be different! Jesus said as much in Mt. 5:14-16. If I act in darkness, I CANNOT be light! And thirdly, to that extent the child of God MUST be "harmless". I am not free to harm or injure anyone at my discretion because God says I must be different!

This teaching from the Lord is not very popular in a world where we cherish our rights. However anyone who is in Christ must surrender to HIS authority if he wants to be Jesus' disciple, ( Jn. 8:31,32, Lu. 9:23). So to this end, as in all cases we must make every attempt to do the will of Christ. If we choose not, then we may not be truly His disciple. Think about it....

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"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20 Indeed these are some of the most beautiful words ever penned, "I have been crucified with Christ." All of us should seek to die with Christ if for no other reason than to be saved.

To my knowledge no other religion requires that one die to self as Christianity does. But for most this is not an easy task. By nature we are selfish. We want what we want. Self-sacrifice goes against everything that culture encourages us to be. Yet like Paul we too must be dead to self.

Jesus made it clear to all that our freedom as His followers was not without cost. In Jn. 8:31,32 Jesus encouraged a number of Jews who had begun to believe in Him with these words: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Here we find the key principle to our dying to self; it is to obey or abide in the "words" or teachings of Christ. Our lives must be surrendered to His will. No exceptions.

This principle requires that WE KNOW His teachings. Sadly there are many churches that now refuse to accept some of the Lord's teachings. Some encourage the most common form of idolatry; the desire to have God always subject to our will. Some, especially within the "word of faith" movement, blatantly encourage covetousness. And now, more and more are willing to accept sexual immorality.

Because false teachers abound, as do false churches we must NEVER accept any man or woman's teaching without question. We also must do as the people of Berea did in Acts 17:11 when Paul was preaching and teaching Christ there. Luke says of them, "they searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether those things were so."

With this in mind we all must search the Scriptures to be able to validate or refute what is being offered to us by those who claim to be ministers of Christ. The greatest asset to living a life surrendered to Christ is a sound knowledge of His teachings. So study the Gospels. They are the record of Our Lord's teachings. Preserved so you and I might "know the truth and the truth shall set us free." Study what He taught that you might be "dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 6:11 Think about it.

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"Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, O' what a foretaste of glory Divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of love. Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood." The words are familiar and comforting. In Jesus we have this assurance if we continue to walk faithfully with Him.

We have had our sins forgiven through the blood of Christ. (Eph. 1:7) We have received the mark of the circumcision that is not of human hands when we were baptized into Christ. (Col. 2:11,12). The grace of God has saved us. (Eph. 2:8) We are saved, but yet we still often fall short of the standard that Christ expects of us. And sometimes we are troubled with doubts about whether we are indeed saved. After all, we supposedly have died to sin. (Rom. 6:1,2) Are we right to feel this way?

The answer as is always the case, is found in the Scriptures. In 1 Jn. 1:7-9, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Here John reveals two great truths about walking faithfully in Christ. The first is that if we are "walking in the light" our sins will continue to be forgiven. This is not to be interpreted as our past sins, but rather our future sins. If we are striving to follow Christ and apply His teachings to our lives, then even when we stumble, we will be forgiven! This does not apply to "willful sin" as the Hebrew writer points to in Heb. 6:4-6, but rather it pertains to the believer who strives daily to "walk in the light".

The second great truth is that we must "confess our sins". The truth is that WE WILL SIN, even after we have repented and been baptized into Christ. Salvation guarantees forgiveness not perfection! So each day as I come to God in prayer I must confess my sins, both the ones I am aware of and the one's I might have forgotten. This will guarantee that I enjoy the gift of continual cleansing.

So the great lesson for every child of God is that though we might stumble as we walk in the light, our daily confession on our sins will cover us with the blood of Christ Jesus. While conscience is most often a good barometer of our spiritual health, we must acknowledge that try as we might we will never be perfect on this side of eternity. Keep walking in the Light and cling to that "Blessed Assurance". Think about it.

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Who has the most influence on your life? Your parents? A teacher? A political party? A spouse? A mentor? Maybe a philosophy or religion? All of these will ultimately shape the way we act and think.

For the Christian it is Christ who ought to have the greatest influence on our lives. Paul in Gal. 3:27 tells us, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." His point is that upon our rebirth in Christ we begin to live a life that should change how we act, how we think, how we behave and what truly guides us through life.

There are really three things that all disciples must embrace to become more like Christ. First we must die to sin. Paul makes this clear to us in Rom. 6:1-4. It is against the will of Christ for us to continue to live in sin. Secondly, we must employ the teaching of the Lord Jesus in our daily lives. Jesus stated that the wise man would "hear His teachings and do them." Mt. 7:24-27. And thirdly we must "follow Him". In Mt. 16:24 He tells all who would be disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." One must truly be committed to a life of serving the Lord. The very definition of the word "disciple" is "one who follows."

Now if this seems difficult, that's because it is. It is a process, not a sudden supernatural act. It takes years, maybe a lifetime. And be aware that you still will not be perfect on this side of eternity. The Apostle Paul, great follower of Christ understood that even his best efforts were still indicative of a need for improvement. In a verse that should serve as both encouragement and comfort for all of us, he said in Phil. 3:12, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." Here Paul confesses that he was still striving, because he was lacking. So to we must "press on". But we must also realize that Christ "has laid hold" of us as well and we can rest assured that He will help us daily as we strive to do His will. Think about it...David

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"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Col. 4:5,6. A new day for the believer in Christ is not just a gift, but also an opportunity. It is an opportunity that must be used wisely.

Those who are outside of Christ Jesus are watching us. Do they see our joy? Do they see the difference in our behavior. In our priorities? If they do then we are truly "redeeming the time." Another way of saying this is, "make everyday count for Christ Jesus." After all He is the Lord of our life. We should glorify Him in all that we do. Col. 3:17

The "lost" do not read the Bible, nor do they frequent churches looking for eternal life. To them we are the Bible and we are the only sermon that they may hear. For this reason we must "walk in wisdom". Understanding that they may only be reached through our efforts and examples.

It is too easy to get side tracked in the worries and cares of this life. When we do we can come across as discouraged and less than joyful. When this happens the "lost" hear the same negatives that everyone else around them are expressing.

Beloved we have true joy because "our names are written in heaven." (Lu. 10:20) Even when everything is crumbling we have this great promise that Paul constantly reminded himself of; "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." Rom. 8:18. Knowing this let us be ever mindful of putting our best foot forward to those who do not know Christ. Think about it...David

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What makes church feel like home? Though proper doctrine and practice are essential, we must realize that the church is a family. All who are in Christ are a part of this family. We are brothers and sisters and as such we are all obligated to practice hospitality to one another.

The writer of Hebrews makes a great point that God's people should be given to hospitality. In Heb. 13: 1,2 we read, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." I suspect that the Hebrew writer had in mind the hospitality that Abraham showed the heavenly visitors who showed up at his tents in Gen. 18. One of these three visitors is identified as "the Lord", and it is commonly believed this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ Himself. On that day Abraham gave rest and refreshment to these three "strangers."

The point that is firmly established by the Hebrews author is that God sees our hospitality or lack thereof. And while one may not be literally entertaining an angel, it is still our duty to promote love within the body of Christ by hosting others in our homes. In the post modern era of the church this seems to be a lost grace. With many of us not wanting such intrusions of our privacy. Yet we must always realize that we are expected to be different from the ordinary citizens of this world. Paul in Phil. 3:20 reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." This truth alone should cause us to make a serious effort to open our homes to the brethren. The family of God is a wonderful thing. It is to bad that many will never experience the joy and love of true fellowship with the brethren on this side of eternity. Think about it...David

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Years ago on Christmas Eve I discovered my water pipes were frozen, so I crawled under my house to begin the long process of thawing out the water line. Moments later I heard a friendly voice, asking the question, "Did your pipes freeze?' It was a neighbor, who quickly volunteered to help me with my problem. After a quick trip to a hardware store for heating tape and pipe wrap and the heat from a small propane torch wielded by my neighbor, we managed to solve the problem in roughly three hours.

That neighbor had been a great source of help to me in my time of need. Gene Mosley was his name and I doubt if I will ever forget his kindness and his desire to help his clueless 27 year old neighbor.

You and I have a helper who is available to us in this life. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. In Heb. 13:5,6 we are told, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you, So we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" The Lord's help to us is two-fold. First he supplies our needs. When we accept this fact we will overcome our temptation towards covetousness. This point is brought to bear in Mt. 6:33 where we are told by the Lord, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." If you and I are faithful to Him and trust Him, He will never cease to meet our needs. Secondly, the Hebrew writer tells us there is no need for us to fear anything that man may do to us. We live in times where violence and cruelty are ever increasing. With Christ it does not matter what man may do to us. To this point Paul reminds us in 2 Cor. 5: 7,8, "For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present in the Lord." Should we perish we have not lost a thing, but instead we have gain our reward in Christ.

Is there a greater helper to be found? One who supplies our needs. One who has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you? May the Lord be your helper. For there is none to have with you as you walk through the uncertainty that is this life. Think about it...David

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"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven." 2 Cor. 5:1,2

Most of us do not like to think of our death. This is natural because we fear the great unknown. What happens once we die? Most of us whether we have chosen Christ or not are a little unsettled in what will become of us.

Paul refers to our body here as our earthly house, our tent. The fact that he refers to our bodies as tents is of great significance because a tent is never meant as a permanent structure, only a temporary measure. And so it is for those who trust in Christ our bodies are only temporary as is our lives here on earth. There is something much better. Something permanent. Something eternal. It here called "our habitation which is from heaven." And it is not made by "hands". Instead it comes from God, the perfect engineer, the flawless designer, the authority on what is best for all men.

Most of us are never happy with our bodies. We are too short or too tall. We are too skinny or as is the case most often, too fat. If we have straight hair we would rather have curls. And of course "brunettes want to be blondes." This lack of contentment stems from the curse of sin. The perfect creation was spoiled and God's design for us was damaged. Beloved only God can make you what you want to be. I am ever convinced that what God chooses to clothe us with in eternity will not only be flawless, but also will make us content with our new and eternal appearance.

So do not fret and worry over the decay of our human bodies. It was only a temporary covering. One that will one Day be replaced by a perfect body given to us by a Perfect God to all who trust in His Perfect Son Christ Jesus. Be encouraged and Think about it! David.

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"Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he wads one hundred and ten years old. And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. When all that generation had been gathered with their fathers, another generation rose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel." Jdgs. 2:8-10

The generation of Joshua was the generation of Israel that that inherited the promised land of Canaan. They had first-hand evidence of God. They had experienced His power when He dried up the Jordan River to allow them to cross. They watched as He leveled the mighty walls that surrounded Jericho. They beheld the ground splitting open and swallowing Achan who had sinned against God, as well as his family. Yet once this generation had passed, their children DID NOT KNOW GOD!

How could that be? Simple, the Israelites did not teach their children about God. They failed to praise God in the presence of their children. They did not boast of the great blessings they had received from God's hand.

Beloved, their is great danger to our children when we fail to teach them the reality of God! When we fail to share the story of the One True God with our children they often accept the false gods of this present age that CANNOT SAVE THEM! When we fail to tell them that God loved all men so much "that He gave His only begotten Son" for their sins, they will likely die in their sins and WILL BE LOST FOR ETERNITY! When we fail to share the pattern of teachings found in the New Testament that tell us exactly what the real Church that was founded by the real Jesus practiced and believed, then we leave them with the erroneous concept that ANY CHURCH WILL DO!

We must teach our children the Bible! We must see to it that their view of God, Jesus and His Church is correct and meshes with Scripture. True New Testament Christianity is always only one generation removed from vanishing when the older generation fails to do their part. Truth matters, let no one deceive you. As God, Himself declared in Deut. 6:6,7, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You 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." Think about it...David

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Many of our heroes of the faith had moral failures. Peter denied the Lord thrice on the night of His betrayal. Samson was immoral and violated his Nazrite vow repeatedly. The prophet Jonah thought he could ignore the call that God had placed on him to go preach against Nineveh. Lot became drunk and slept with his two daughters. Even Abraham showed a lack of faith in God on at least three occasions.

Most of us are aware of the sin of King David. David was said by God to be "a man after My own heart", yet in spite of his wonderful relationship with God the Father, David committed heinous sins before God. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, though he had several wives and concubines. Then when he realized that her pregnancy would reveal his sin before all Israel David had her husband Uriah killed. David literally gave the command that Uriah should be murdered. You can read of David's sins in 2 Samuel chapter 11.

Ultimately God had Nathan the prophet confront David about his sin. David then recognized and repented of his sin. Though he was forgiven still there were consequences; the child would die and one of David's sons, Absalom would betray him. Anytime we sin there are some consequences we must still bear.

David records his own prayer to God concerning his sin and his desire to be forgiven in Ps. 51. It is not only a beautiful prayer, but it also reveals a truly penitent heart. In v. 2 we read, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." In v. 7, David continues saying, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." And in v.10, "Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." David's desire was not only to be forgiven, but also restored.

The wonderful thing about our relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ is that even when we fail we can still be forgiven and restored. All we need is to confess our sin and ask for forgiveness. A helpful resource on this matter can be found in 1 Jn. 1: 5-10. Think about it....David

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Do you remember the most anticipated Christmas that you experienced as a child? That one year that you really wanted that one toy more than anything you had ever wanted. My most anticipated Christmas as a child was the year I got a new bicycle. It was a three speed "Sting ray", lime green in color with a sparkling green banana seat and knobby tires. I anticipated getting that bike for over three months. And it was well worth the wait!

Somethings are well worth the wait. Waiting for the right spouse. Waiting for the right job. Waiting for the best deal on a car or a home all fall in this category. Unfortunately, sometimes we get tired of waiting. A hasty decision might only cost us money or time lost, but sometimes it will haunt us for the rest of our life.

God can easily identify with the value of waiting patiently. After He had created a perfect world and two perfect people God watched as the sin of Adam and Eve literally destroyed His perfect work. But being God He already knew that was going to happen and already had a plan to restore His creation and redeem mankind from sin. The only catch was that it wouldn't happen immediately.

From the moment of sin in Genesis 3:6 until the resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 28:6 approximately 4,000 years came and went. Yet God waited patiently. Paul comments on God's timing in Gal. 4:4,5, saying, "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

God's plan worked out over a period of 4,000 years. All the details; people, places, kingdoms, triumphs, losses, miracles, prophecies, sins, revivals, apostasies practically too numerous to list had to occur before you and I could be saved from our sins! It did not simply happen in one single day! Yet God was patient and God was faithful.

So, when you are impatiently awaiting that answer to prayer; the restoration of relationship, the healing of a spouse, happier times, the arrival of a child or any other event that you have prayed countless times for, remember this: Everything comes in God's time, not your time. Be patient. Be faithful. And above all things be prayerful as you await the time when God will grant your petition. Good things happen when we wait. Think about it....David

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"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." Isa. 9:6. To most of us who have a relationship with Christ Jesus this is a familiar passage. It is a prophecy concerning the birth of Christ. Here Isaiah reveals to us four names by which the Savior would be called. Each is grand and majestic and speaks to Jesus' pre-eminence, power, wisdom and glory.

In Scripture Jesus is referred to by nearly 150 different names, titles and personifications. Among these are Christ, the Son of the Most High, the Bread from Heaven, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega and Emmanuel. The name by which Jesus most often referred to Himself was Son of Man. Seventy-seven times Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man.

It is an appropriate title. It infers that God chose to become man. I like the idea that God chose to become man. It means that He has experienced everything that I go through and with the same feelings that I would have. Literally the Son of Man has walked many miles in our shoes! He knows my disappointments, my fears, my joy, my grief, and my anxieties. He has been there!

The Hebrew writer is quick to point out to us that Jesus' life experience from a human perspective leads Him to be able to understand and have empathy for our struggle. In Heb. 4:15 we are told, "For we have not a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin." What a comforting thought to know that the Son of God is also the Son of Man and understands just how I feel. Think about it...David.

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"Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called "barren". For with God nothing will be impossible."

"Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her." Lu. 1:34-38.

Has God ever called on you to do "the impossible?" Maybe it was a ministry or task within the Church that you did not feel qualified to do. Maybe it was to abandon a sin issue in your life which you had tried for years to end. Perhaps it was to take a "leap of faith" and leave a career that left no time for service in Christ's kingdom.

I'm sure many of us have had or still have those areas of our lives that we need to surrender to Christ and trust that He will give us the equipping or the strength or the daily provision to be submitted to His will. Usually in these cases, FEAR is our worst enemy. FEAR tells us "You can't do this!" Truly FEAR is a part of our fallen human nature.

To the many of you who live in FEAR that God cannot or will not help you with these "impossible" challenges, I give you Mary. Mary was likely 13 or 14 years old when the Angel Gabriel told her of the most unique ministry she must perform for God. She freely confessed that she could not understand "how" this miraculous birth could occur since she was single and apparently not to become Joseph's wife anytime soon. She likely could have given 1,000 reasons (excuses) why she was not right for the job. But she didn't. She simply trusted God and He did the rest. Her response in v.38 validates that inside this young heart was a servant who trusted God to make up for her inadequacies.

The Apostles Paul, Peter and the New Testament author James each chose to refer to themselves as "a bond servant of the Lord." A bond servant is one who has voluntarily placed himself in the service of another. In the case of these men and Mary, the other was Christ Jesus. Before any of us can have the "true heart of a servant" we must defeat FEAR. FEAR will only be defeated when we trust Christ. Check out what Jesus promised those who "put the kingdom first" in Mt. 6:31-33. God never fails the faithful...Think about it...David

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One of the truly great hymns the Church has ever used is the hymn, "Just as I am." The point of this wonderful hymn is that Christ Jesus will accept us as we are with all of our sins and flaws. Christ has never told anyone, "Come back and see me when you get your life right!" He will take you as you are.

But this is not where the story of our relationship with Christ Jesus ends. From that point where we emerge from the waters of baptism, "we are raised to walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:4) Paul also makes the idea of change clear to us in 2 Cor. 5:17 where he tells us, "Therefore if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." The implication is that we must leave our old life of sin and selfishness behind.

This transformation really begins before we are baptized when we repent of our sins. The Greek word which is rendered in our New Testaments as "repent" literally means to "turn away". We must thus "turn away" from our sins when we are baptized into Christ. (Acts 2:38, Rom. 6:1-4)

Our help in this matter comes four key resources. In Gal. 5:25 we read, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Allowing the Holy Spirit, Whom we received upon baptism to guide us we will surely change our sinful behaviors. The study of God's word is also essential for true transformation. This is especially true of learning Christ's teachings. In Jn. 6:68 when Jesus asked the twelve if they would leave Him as many others had; Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." There is NO SUBSTITUTE for knowing the teachings of Christ Jesus!

Much time in prayer each day is a must. Praise God with your prayers and declare your dependence upon God for all things. This was the very thing Jesus asked us to do when He gave us the model prayer in Mt. 6:8-15. And finally, realize Christ has redeemed you so you might be a member of HIS Church. Too many believers today discount attendance and participation in the body of Christ ( HIS Church). Upon your salvation you are automatically added to HIS Church (Acts 2:47). So take your place in the local body of Christ. It is God's will for your life. Think about it...David

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Submerged

Gone Fishin

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Let all the Earth Praise the Lord

Gone Fishin

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Go Fish

VBS Title Song

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Sound advice in this present distress, 1 Cor. 7: 25-31

What kind of church is this? April 21, 2024

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Encouragement at every turn, Acts 4: 34-37

April 7, 2024

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Telling the old, old story, Mt. 28; 1-10

Mar. 31, 2024

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Principles of Christian Marriage, Part One 1 Cor. 7: 1-7

What kind of church is this? March 17, 2024

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Sexual sin and the believer, 1 Cor. 6: 12-20

What kind of church is this? March 10, 2024

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"What Righteousness demands," 1 Cor. 6: 1-11

What kind of church is this? Feb. 25, 2024

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Good advice for the insiders, 1 Cor. 5: 9-13

What kind of Church is this? Feb. 18, 2024

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"A serious matter," 1 Cor. 5: 1-8

What kind of Church is this? Feb. 11, 2024

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A choice must be made, 1 Cor. 4: 18-21

What kind of church is this? Jan. 28, 2024

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Paul, a spiritual father, 1 Cor. 4: 14-17

What kind of church is this? Jan. 21, 2024

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"Fools for Christ," 1 Cor. 4: 7-13

What kind of church is this? Jan. 14, 2024

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The stewardship of God's word, 1 Cor. 4: 1-6

What kind of church is this? Jan. 7, 2024

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Seekers, sleepers and a snake, Mt. 2: 1-15

Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 31, 2023

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One glorious night, Luke 2: 8-14

Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 24, 2023

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How God used a tax increase to accomplish His purpose, Lu. 2: 1-7

Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 17, 2023

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"A righreous father figure for God's Son," Mt. 1: 18-25

Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 10, 2023

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"Why Mary?" Lu. 1: 26-33

A trip to Bethlehem Dec. 3, 2023

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"All things are yours," 1 Cor. 3: 18-23

What kind of church is this? Nov. 26, 2023

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"Builders Beware" 1 Cor. 3: 5-17

What kind of church is this? Nov. 19, 2023

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"A carnal church," 1 Cor. 3: 1-4

What kind of church is this? Nov. 12, 2023

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The Holy Spirit teaching God's wisdom to the Apostles 1 Cor. 2: 10-16

What kind of church is this? Nov. 5, 2023

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The wisdom of God in a Mystery, 1 Cor. 2: 6-9

What kind of Church is this? Oct. 29, 2023

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"Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," 1 Cor. 2: 1-5

What kind of Church is this? Oct. 22, 2023

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"Christ's Church humble by God's will" 1 Cor. 1: 26-31

What kind of Church is this? Oct. 15, 2023

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The effect of the Cross on men, 1 Cor. 1: 18-25

What kind of Church is this? Oct. 8, 2023

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The sin of Sectarianism 1 Cor. 1: 10-17

What kind of church is this? Oct. 1, 2023

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Paul's Greeting and Thanksgiving for the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 1: 1-9

What kind of church is this? Sept. 24, 2023

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Why is there no excuse for not seeking God? Rom. 1: 18-27

More Questions? Sept. 10, 2023

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Will nice people be saved? John 3: 1-11

More Questions? Sept. 3, 2023

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The Saints before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5: 1-10

More Questions? Aug. 20, 2023

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What will happen to me when Jesus returns? 1 Thess. 4: 13-18

More Questions, Aug. 13, 2023

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What happens when I die? 2 Cor. 5: 1-8

More Questions Aug. 6, 2023

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Why is the devil so angry? Rev. 12: 7-12

More Questions July 30, 2023

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"Why are they baptized for the dead?" 1 Cor. 15: 29-32

More Questions July 23, 2023

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The Peace that comes from Jesus, John 14: 25-28

June 25, 2023

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Mission Accomplished Judges 16: 23-31

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man June 18, 2023

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Samson's toxic relationship, Judges 16: 1-14

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man, June 4, 2023

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Delivered to God's purpose, Judges 15: 9-20

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man, May 28, 2023

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"This means war!" Judges 15: 1-8

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man, May 21, 2023

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Samson's Riddle, Jdgs. 14: 10-20

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man May 14, 2023

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The beginning of Samson's foolishness, Jdg. 13:25- 14: 1-9

Strong Lessons from the life of a weak man, May 7, 2023

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A child of promise and purpose, Jdg. 13: 1-22

"Strong lessons from the life of a weak man" April 30, 2023

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How do we make Jesus famous? Acts 1: 6-11

"Questions?" April 23, 2023

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What dos Jesus expect us to do now? Mt. 28: 16-20

April 16, 2023

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Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Jn. 20: 1-18

April 9, 2023

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Why did Jesus die? Mt. 27: 31-50

"Questions?" April 2, 2023

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"How do you endure pain?" Mt. 27: 11-26

"Questions?" Mar. 26, 2023

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"How can we stay in control in a crisis?" Mark 14: 53-72

"Questions?" Mar. 19, 2023

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How can we learn grit from what Jesus suffered? Mk. 14: 32-50

"Questions?" March 12, 2023

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Fear of the past and the uncertain future, Joshua 1: 1-9

Sermon March 5, 2023

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What did Jesus think of Himself? Mark 14: 1-25

"Questions?" Feb. 26, 2023

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"Was Jesus full of Himself?" Jn. 13: 1-20

"Questions?" Feb. 19, 2023

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"Was Jesus political?" part two, Mk. 11:12-22

"Questions?" Feb. 12, 2023

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"Was Jesus political?" Mt. 21: 1-11

Questions, Feb. 5, 2023

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"What's worth worrying about?" Luke 10: 38-42

"Questions?" Jan. 29, 2023

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"What makes you a good person?" Mark 7: 1-16

"Questions?" Jan. 15, 2023

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The birth of Jesus from God's perspective," John 1: 1-14

December 25, 2022

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"Do you ever doubt your doubts?' Mt. 11: 2-11

"Questions?" Dec. 18, 2022

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"How did Jesus lead? Jn. 10: 1-18

"Questions?" Dec. 11, 2022

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"Why does Jesus care so much about my money?" Mt. 6: 19-34

"Questions?" Nov. 20, 2022

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"How does Jesus feel about prodigals?" Luke 15: 11-32

"Questions?" Nov. 27, 2022

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"What did Jesus say about social justice" Luke 4: 16-30

Questions Oct 30, 2022

https://youtu.be/Y39hWkoOInw

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"What do we need from Jesus?" Jn. 5: 1-18

"Questions?" Oct. 9, 2022

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"Can Jesus forgive me?" Mk. 2: 1-17

Questions, Oct. 2, 2022

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"Can Jesus give me life?" Jn. 11: 17-44

Questions? Sept. 25, 2022

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"Can Jesus restore my relationships?" Luke 8: 40-56

Questions? Sept. 18, 2022

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Is Jesus impressed with me? Luke 7: 1-10

Questions Sept. 11, 2022

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"Can Jesus make me clean?" Mk. 1: 40-45

The Quest Dept. 4, 2022

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"Does Jesus care about my pain?" Mk. 1: 29-39

The Quest Aug. 28, 2022

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Is Jesus really Divine? Mark 9: 2-13

The Quest, Aug. 21, 2022

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"Can Jesus provide my needs?" Mk. 6: 31-52

The Quest Aug. 14, 2022

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"Can Jesus turn my storm into a Story?" Mk. 5: 1-20

The Quest, Aug. 7, 2022

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"Is Christianity boring?" Jn. 2: 1-11

July 31, 2022

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Who are the Social Influencers for Jesus? Part two, Jn. 4: 4-26

July 24, 2022

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"Who are the Social Influencers for Jesus?" part one, Jn. 3: 1-17

The Quest July 17, 2022

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Does my past determine my future? Luke 7: 36-50

The Quest July 10, 2022

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"How do you get in to Jesus' inner Circle?" Mk. 3: 31-35

The Quest, Jun. 26, 2022

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"How do I recognize God's calling on my Life?" Lu. 5: 1-11

The Quest June 19, 2022

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Did Jesus have a Life purpose? part two, Mk. 10: 32-45

June 12, 2022

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"Did Jesus have a Life purpose?" Part one, Luke 19: 1-10

The Quest June 5, 2022

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Why was Jesus baptized? Mark 1: 1-13

The Quest May 22, 2022

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"Was the boy like the Man?" Luke 2: 41-52

From The Quest, May 15, 2022

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"Are you humble enough for God?" Luke 18: 9-14

May 8, 2022

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Why the Church must Pray, Luke 18: 1-8

April 24, 2022

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"Telling the Old, Old, Story," Mt. 28: 1-10

April 17, 2022

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"In the Garden", Luke 22: 39-53

April 10, 2022

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"The Last Passover", Luke 22: 14-20

Sermon, April 3, 2022

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"Destroying a Myth about Eternity", Luke 16: 19-31

March 28, 2022

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"A Lesson from Thieves", Luke 16: 1-13

March 20, 2022

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"Heaven Rejoices", part four, Luke 15: 20-32

March 13, 2022

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"Heaven Rejoices" part three, Luke 15: 11-19

Sermon March 6, 2022

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"Heaven Rejoices" part two, Lu. 15: 8-10

Feb. 27, 2022

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"Heaven Rejoices", part one, Luke 15: 1-7

Feb. 20, 2022

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Jesus warns us about Covetousness, Luke 12: 13-21

Sermon Feb. 13, 2022

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Like a Good Neighbor, Luke 10: 25-37

February 6, 2022

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"Always meeting the needs of the Brethren", Mt. 25: 31-46

Sermon Jan. 30, 2022

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"An Attitude that fails God", Mt. 25: 24-30

Sermon Jan. 23, 2022

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"Always serving Christ", Mt. 25: 14-23

Sermon Jan. 9, 2022

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Always be Prepared, Mt. 25: 1-13

Jan. 2, 2022

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Creation's Victory over Sin, Ro. 8: 18-25

December 19, 2021

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"Our Victory over Sin", Rom. 8: 1-13

Dec. 5, 2021

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"The Struggle is Real" Rom. 7: 14-25

Nov. 28, 2021

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"Changing Masters" Rom. 6: 12-18

Nov. 21, 2021

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Pat Two, "Going to a Resurrection", John 11:17-32

Sermon March 21, 2021

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Part One, "Going to a Resurrection", Jn. 11: 1-16

Sermon March 14, 2021

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A Fatal Assumption, Jas. 4: 13-17

March 7, 2021

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The Sin of Slander, Jas. 4: 11,12

Sermon Feb. 28, 2021

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Part Two, "God's Invitation", Jas. 4: 7-10

Sermon Feb. 21, 2021

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Part One, God's Invitation, Jas. 4: 7-10

Sermon, Feb. 14, 2021

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The danger of Falling in love with the World, Jas. 4: 1-6

Sermon, Feb. 6, 2021

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Godly Wisdom, Jas. 3: 17,18

Sermon Jan. 31, 2021

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The Wisdom of the World, Jas. 3:13-16

Sermon, Jan. 24, 2021

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Part 2, Taming the Tongue, Jas. 3: 5b-12

Sermon, Jan. 17, 2021

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Part One, Taming the Tongue, Jas. 3: 1-5a

Sermon Jan. 10, 2021

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A Living Faith, Jas. 2; 21-26

Sermon, Jan. 3, 2020

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A Dead Faith, Jas. 2:14-20

Sermon Dec. 27, 2020

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A Different kind of Christmas Story, Jn. 1: 1-14

Sermon, Dec. 20, 2020

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The Miraculous Birth of Christ, Luke 1:30-35

Sermon, December 13, 2020

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Thanksgiving for Spiritual Blessings, Eph. 1: 3-6

Sermon, Nov. 29, 2020

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Part 3, An Impartial Faith, Jas. 2: 8-13

Sermon December 6, 2020

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Part Two, "An Impartial Faith", Jas. 2:5-7

Sermon November 15, 2020

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Part One, "An Impartial Faith", Jas. 2: 1-4

Sermon, November 8, 2020

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Pure Religion, Jas. 1: 26,27

Sermon, Nov. 1, 2020

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The Man in the Mirror, Jas. 1:22-25

Sermon October 25, 2020

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A Proper Response to God's Word, Jas. 1:21

Sermon, October 18, 2020

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The Secret for a Harmonious Life, Jas. 1:19,20

Sermon, Oct. 4, 2020

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The Goodness of God, Jas. 1:16-18

Sermon, Sept. 27, 2020

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The Nature of Temptation, Jas. 1: 12-16

Sermon Sept. 20, 2020

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Made Equal in Christ, Jas. 1: 9-11

Sermon, Sept. 13, 2020

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"Wisdom from God" Jas. 1: 5-8

Sermon, Sept. 6, 2020

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"The Cost of Patience", Jas. 1: 1-4

Sermon Triad Church of Christ, Aug. 30, 2020

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The Quality that defines the Disciple, Jn. 13:34,35

Sermon, Aug. 23, 2020

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"Workers in God's Vineyard", Mt. 20: 1-16

Sermon, August 16, 2020

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Part 2, "A Hard Discipleship", Lu. 14:25-35

Sermon Aug. 9, 2020

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Part One: A Hard Discipleship, Lu. 14:25-35

Sermon Aug. 2, 2020

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Consequeces of rejecting the Invitation, Lu. 9:23-26

Sermon July 26, 2020

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The Terms of Discipleship, Luke 9:18-23

Sermon July 19, 2020

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"A Sower, the Seed and some Souls", Lu. 8:5-15

Sermon July 5, 2020

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"The Saints in Christ", Phil. 4:20-23

Sermon June 28, 2020

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The Beauty of a Generous Church, Phil. 4:14-19

Sermon, June 21, 2020

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The Secret of Contentment, Phil. 4:10-13

Sermon June 14, 2020

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"What to Think and Do", Phil. 4: 8,9

Sermon, June 7, 2020

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"Finding the Peace of God", Phil. 4:4-7

Sermon, May 31, 2020

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"Stand Fast", Phil. 4: 1-3

Sermon, May 24, 2020

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May 17, 2020 Worship, "Enemies of the Cross", Phil. 3:17-21

May 17, 2020

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"Press On", Phil. 3:12-16 live worship

Sermon May 10, 2020

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May 3, 2020 Worship: "The Christian in a time of Crisis"

worship & sermon, 1 Peter 1:5-9

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The Christian in a time of Crisis, 1 Pe. 1:5-9

Sermon, May 3, 2020

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Live worship 4/26.20 The Value of knowing Christ Phil. 3"8-11

worship April 26, 2020

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Rejoice in the Lord, not in the flesh, Phil. 3:1-7

Sermon, April 19, 2020

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"Why do you seek the Living among the dead? Lu. 24:1-10

Sermon, April 12, 2020

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Epaphroditus, the Minister, Phil. 2:25-30

Sermon, April 5, 2020

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The Character of Timothy, Phil. 2:19-24

Sermon, March 29, 2020

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Paul, the Humble Servant, Phil. 2:16-18

Sermon, March 22,2020

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Stop complaining, start shining Phil. 2:14-16

Sermon, Mar. 15, 2020

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Work out your own Salvation, Phil. 2:12, 13

Sermon, March 8, 2020

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"The Highly Exalted Christ", Phil. 2:9-11

Sermon March 1, 2020

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Unity through the Example of Christ, Phil. 2: 5-8

Sermon, Feb. 23, 2020

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Unity through Humility, Phil. 2:1-4

Sermon, Feb. 16, 2020

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"About your Conduct" Phil. 1:27-30

Sermon Feb. 9, 2020

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In Life or Death, Phil. 1: 19-26

Sermon Feb. 2, 2020

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Joy in spite of Opposition, Phil. 1:12-18

Sermon Jan. 26, 2020

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A Love that Abounds, Phil. 1:7-11

Sermon, Jan. 19, 2020

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A Church that brought Joy! Phil. 1: 1-6

January 12, 2020

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Four Resolutions for the Church, Acts 2:41,42

January 5, 2020

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The Witness of Simeon, Luke 2:25-35

Dec. 29, 2019

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"The Fullness of the time", Luke 2:1-17

December 22, 2019

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The Long awaited King, Luke 1:30-38

Dec.15, 2019

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Why we need the Sword of the Spirit, Eph. 6:11-17

The Whole Armor of God, Dec. 8, 2019

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Part two, The Helmet of Salvation, Eph. 6:13-17

Using the Whole Armor of God, Nov. 24, 2019

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Part One, "The Helmet of Salvation", Eph. 6:11-17

From "Using the Whole Armor of God" series, Nov.17,2019

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"Shielded by Faith", Eph. 6:13-16

"using the Whole Armor of God" series, Nov.10, 2019

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"Feet prepared by the Gospel", Eph. 6:13-15

The Whole Armor of God, Nov. 3, 2019

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"Covered with Righteousness", Eph. 6:11-14 from The Whole Armor of God

Sermon Oct. 27, 2019

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"Spiritual Warfare", Eph. 6:10-12

From "The Whole Armor of God" series, Oct. 13, 2019

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"Girded with Truth", Eph. 6:12-14

From "The Whole Armor of God" series, Oct. 20, 2019

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Pt. two, The Lukewarm Church, Rev. 3:18-22

Sermon, Oct. 6, 2019

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part one "The Lukewarm Church", Rev. 3:14-22

Sermon, Sept. 29, 2019

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Part Two, The Faithful Church, Rev. 3:7-13

Sermon Sept. 22, 2019

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Part One, "The Faithful Church" Rev. 3:7-13

Sermon, Sept. 15, 2019

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"The Dead Church", Rev. 3:1-6

Sermon, Sept. 8, 2019

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Part 2 "A Church that allowed Sin", Rev. 2:23-29

Sermon, Sept. 1, 2019

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A Church that allowed Sin, Rev. 2:18-23 part one

Sermon Aug. 25, 2019

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The Worldly Church, Rev. 2:12-17

Sermon, Aug. 18, 2019

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The poor, rich Church, Rev. 2:8-11

Sermon Aug. 11,2019

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A Church that lost it's First Love, Rev. 2:1-7

Sermon, Aug. 4, 2019

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The New Jerusalem, part two, Rev. 21:9-21

Sermon July 28, 2019

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The New Jerusalem, pt. One, Rev. 21:1-8

Sermon, July 21, 2019

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The New Jerusalem, part one, Rev. 21:1-8

Sermon July 21, 2019

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The Irony of Heaven, Mt. 20: 1-16

Sermon, July 14, 2019

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"The Irony of Hell", Luke 16:19-31

Sermon, June 30, 2019

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The Greatest Father, Luke 15:11-24

Sermon, June 16, 2019

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The Resurrection Body, 1 Cor. 15:35-53

Sermon, June 9, 2019

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"The Judgment Seat of Christ" 2 Cor. 5:1-10

Sermon, June 2, 2019

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Christ's Judgment of Sinners", Rev. 20:11-15

Sermon, May 26, 2019

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The Second Resurrection, Rev. 20:4-6

Sermon, May 19, 2019

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The godly Wife, 1 Pe. 3: 1-4

Sermon, May 12, 2019

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The First Resurrection, Jn. 5:24-29

Sermon, May 5, 2019

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"The joy of Christ's Return" 1 Thess. 4:13-18

Sermon, April 28, 2019

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Witnesses to a Resurrection, John 20: 1-9

Sermon, April 21, 2019

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"In the Lonely Darkness", Mt. 27:45-53

Sermon April 14, 2019

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"What then shall I do with Jesus?" Mt. 27:11-25

Sermon April 7, 2019

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Commitment to Commission, Mt. 28: 16-20

Sermon March 31, 2019

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"The Far-reaching Effects of sin", Gen. 3:1-7

Sermon, March 24,2019

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Spiritual Blindness, Mk. 8:11-21

March 17, 2019

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"One God", Eph. 4:1-6

Sermon, March 10, 2019

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"Up a Tree", Luke 19: 1-10

Sermon March 3, 2019

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"One Baptism" Eph. 4:5

Sermon, Feb. 24, 2019

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One Faith, Eph. 4:5

Sermon, Feb. 17, 2019

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"One Lord", Eph. 4:5

Sermon, Feb. 10, 2019

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"One Spirit", part 2, Eph. 4: 1-6

Sermon, January 27, 2019

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Something to think about, April 16, 2024

Acts 2: 41-47

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Something to think about, April 10, 2024

The woman at the well, John 4

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Something to think about, April 2, 2024

Jn. 20: 19-29

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Something to think about, Jn. 13: 1-17

March 28, 2024

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Something to think about, March 18, 2024

Phil. 4:13

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Something to think about March 6, 2024

Mt. 9: 18-22

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Something to think about Feb. 27, 2024

Luke 15

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Something to think about, Mt. 19: 16-22

How do I see the lost?

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How Jesus restrained His anger, John 8: 1-11

Something to think about, Feb. 14, 2024

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The profound love of our God, 1 Peter 1: 18-20

Something to think about, Feb. 7, 2024

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Jesus Tests Philip, John 6: 1-14

Something to think about, Jan. 31, 2024

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