2 Timothy 2: 14 - 26
We are to be careful in our conversation, especially about the Gospel message. We are to convey accurately the message of Jesus Christ and him crucified. We are not to get drawn into debates that do not lead to the edifying of the Gospel. Also we are to know the Gospel that claim hold of. We are to not be ignorant of the things that Christ has handed down in his word. We may not need to have it memorized, but we should be familiar with them.
Deuteronomy 11:18
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
When we speak things about God's word that we only feel, and are not sure of, or haven't studied, this can be detrimental to a young Christian, or worse yet, a lost persons life.
We do have confidence though that regardless of false teachers, or things that we might be unsure of, God is not confused as to who is redeemed and one of his. He is sure of his righteousness and the one and only way to life eternal.
As with all things in life, we may not be in the best situation financial, emotionally, or otherwise, but regardless or our current situation, we should make the most of our present tense and do what we can for God. We can do no better otherwise. With God on our side, we can accomplish more than what our minds can comprehend for his will.
Notice in verse 24 that we not strive against one another, or even the lost. We are to come as a lamb, just as Christ did. Christ, above all, came and humbled himself and accomplished the plan of salvation against all death and sin. We too, through Jesus Christ, can accomplish great things for God by working humbly with our brother and sisters in Christ, and the lost.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Revival thought for week 14 of 2012
With the news and many conversations about the current lottery jackpot, many people have started to talk and dream about what they would do with the money. Some people would give to charity and spend some on themselves, others have vast dreams of what money can accomplish.
My thought is not to talk about the morality of such conversations, or what is in people's hearts when they talk about the lottery, or even about the statistics that show the devastation to families and there financial situations years after they win. My thought is about the vast riches, spiritual riches, we already possess.
How often do we get stuck in the thinking that if we spoke better, sang better, prayed better, that we could really accomplish something great for the Lord. If only we had the spiritual resources to see someone healed, saved, or revival.
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
We already possess the equivalent to winning the spiritual lottery. God has already given us the spiritual riches and spiritual power of the world to accomplish the things that the Holy Ghost desires.
Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Nothing is was held back for our salvation, and nothing is held back from us to accomplish the Lord's work.
We are already God's spiritual millionaires.
My thought is not to talk about the morality of such conversations, or what is in people's hearts when they talk about the lottery, or even about the statistics that show the devastation to families and there financial situations years after they win. My thought is about the vast riches, spiritual riches, we already possess.
How often do we get stuck in the thinking that if we spoke better, sang better, prayed better, that we could really accomplish something great for the Lord. If only we had the spiritual resources to see someone healed, saved, or revival.
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
We already possess the equivalent to winning the spiritual lottery. God has already given us the spiritual riches and spiritual power of the world to accomplish the things that the Holy Ghost desires.
Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Nothing is was held back for our salvation, and nothing is held back from us to accomplish the Lord's work.
We are already God's spiritual millionaires.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Revival thought for week 13 of 2012
Philippians 2:3, 4
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
We cannot have revival if we are only worried about ourselves and our own needs. We must as a church be there for one another, in good times and in bad, ready to help share a burden for the furtherance of Christ.
Why do we do this? As a form of self denial only? So that there might be righteousness in our sacrifice?
Philippians 2:5 - 8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
We do this because it is the example of Christ. He being higher than us all, came to earth in the flesh so that he might suffer and man might have a way of escape. We humble ourselves and help others, because Christ humbled himself and died for all. Our sacrifice for each other ought to be our eager duty. Revival needs us to think of more than ourselves just as Christ did.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
We cannot have revival if we are only worried about ourselves and our own needs. We must as a church be there for one another, in good times and in bad, ready to help share a burden for the furtherance of Christ.
Why do we do this? As a form of self denial only? So that there might be righteousness in our sacrifice?
Philippians 2:5 - 8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
We do this because it is the example of Christ. He being higher than us all, came to earth in the flesh so that he might suffer and man might have a way of escape. We humble ourselves and help others, because Christ humbled himself and died for all. Our sacrifice for each other ought to be our eager duty. Revival needs us to think of more than ourselves just as Christ did.
4th Week of March 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
2 Timothy Chapter 2
Through persistent prayer and dedication to a Christian life, we should be able to be 'strong in grace' to our Lord and savior. Weak Christians are not only a disappointment to God (Revelations 3:16), but weak halfhearted Christians will not attract a lost world looking for answers from the God of the universe.
After time spent in our walk with our savior, we should have some witnesses to our Christian life. We shouldn't be serving the Lord and no one ever know about it. I'm not saying to force our light to shine, but as the old joke is; the parent asks the child to makes sure and remember he is a Christian and to act right while he was on a field trip at school, and the child says 'don't worry, no one knew I was a Christian'. The point being this, we should have a few witnesses of our faith.
The next few verses are the apt analogy of the Christian life and spiritual warfare and the real life of a soldier and his physical warfare. Ephesians the sixth chapter speaks of the spiritual warfare and the armor provided by Jesus Christ that we should wear at all times in our fight against Satan. I've heard people say that no doubt saw Roman soldiers pass by while in prison and saw the need for our spiritual armor.
We are to remember that where Jesus came from. Heaven first, but then in the flesh from the seed of David. To show and to remind all that he came fulfilling the law and the prophets. Matthew 5:17.
So we suffer for the sake of suffering? No, we suffer for the cause of Christ as the Lord himself suffered. For the honor and glory of his name and his righteousness.We also have our reward if we suffer for him. He does not watch us suffer for his amusement, but there is a reward, eternal life, for serving him. If we will deny him though, we will deny us.
Next week we'll continue with the 2nd chapter.
Through persistent prayer and dedication to a Christian life, we should be able to be 'strong in grace' to our Lord and savior. Weak Christians are not only a disappointment to God (Revelations 3:16), but weak halfhearted Christians will not attract a lost world looking for answers from the God of the universe.
After time spent in our walk with our savior, we should have some witnesses to our Christian life. We shouldn't be serving the Lord and no one ever know about it. I'm not saying to force our light to shine, but as the old joke is; the parent asks the child to makes sure and remember he is a Christian and to act right while he was on a field trip at school, and the child says 'don't worry, no one knew I was a Christian'. The point being this, we should have a few witnesses of our faith.
The next few verses are the apt analogy of the Christian life and spiritual warfare and the real life of a soldier and his physical warfare. Ephesians the sixth chapter speaks of the spiritual warfare and the armor provided by Jesus Christ that we should wear at all times in our fight against Satan. I've heard people say that no doubt saw Roman soldiers pass by while in prison and saw the need for our spiritual armor.
We are to remember that where Jesus came from. Heaven first, but then in the flesh from the seed of David. To show and to remind all that he came fulfilling the law and the prophets. Matthew 5:17.
So we suffer for the sake of suffering? No, we suffer for the cause of Christ as the Lord himself suffered. For the honor and glory of his name and his righteousness.We also have our reward if we suffer for him. He does not watch us suffer for his amusement, but there is a reward, eternal life, for serving him. If we will deny him though, we will deny us.
Next week we'll continue with the 2nd chapter.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Revival thought for week 12 of 2012
1 Thessalonians 5:17, 25
Pray without ceasing
Brethen, Pray for us
Having done all we can do.. continue in prayer
Patience is not the easy part of being a Christian. When there are no other answers, when there are nothing else we can do, prayer is our best and only options. Continuing in prayer until God moves and shows himself great.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
3rd Week of March 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
2 Timothy Chapter 1
The chapter starts out with a familiar Paul greeting acknowledging God and his son Jesus Christ first, then a statement and reminder of his often and daily prayers for Timothy and in other books the churches under his care and watch. He states his true feelings that he longs to be with Timothy so that they may share in joys and godly sorrows together.
In the fifth verse we hear about Timothy's mother and grandmother. How that they had an unfeigned faith that was passed on to Timothy. Does God work like this? Can spiritual gifts be inherited? We see evidence of this not only in God's word, with the sons of Thunder, Jesus and James and also many other illustrations that some people are more apt to enjoy certain spiritual gifts. Does this mean that certain spiritual gifts are then not open to some because it was never in their family? No, it is very similar to salvation in this way. If a family is raised to know Jesus and the Gospel, that family is very often all or many of them saved. Can others be introduced to salvation when no one else in their family is saved? Of course, we see this example often as well.
1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
He goes on then to encourage Timothy that he would stir up, or bring to life that gift that was in him to the edifying of the Gospel. This gift is one of boldness through Christ Jesus.
Now listen to the ninth verse about this 'holy calling'. This is a calling from the God of the universe. It is a greater calling than we will ever receive about anything in our life. Our love for Christ and our calling for his will should take the 1st place above all else in our life. It is above spouse, children and occupation. It is our calling, and if we follow it with all our might, then God will provide for the spouse, family and occupation. That is why Paul says that it is not a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind.
There is a reminder in here that if we suffer persecution, trials or worse, that is is not for nothing. We are not without a comforter nor are we without joy in our journey. There is a purpose and it is not all for naught.
Only through the 'holding fast' to the Gospel we are taught will we prove the words and example that are set before us. James 1:8 says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. God wants us to try him, and to do that, we'll have to stick around long enough for him to show his power and glory. He answers prayers.
So through and by the Holy Ghost that dwells within us, we are able to keep the faith and more forward for the Lord. It is not by accident, or happenstance, but through an indwelling of the trinity.
Paul finishes the chapter by mentioning one who was by his side through his struggles, one named Onesiphorus. We ought to treasure and pray for those that struggle with us for the good of the Gospel.
The chapter starts out with a familiar Paul greeting acknowledging God and his son Jesus Christ first, then a statement and reminder of his often and daily prayers for Timothy and in other books the churches under his care and watch. He states his true feelings that he longs to be with Timothy so that they may share in joys and godly sorrows together.
In the fifth verse we hear about Timothy's mother and grandmother. How that they had an unfeigned faith that was passed on to Timothy. Does God work like this? Can spiritual gifts be inherited? We see evidence of this not only in God's word, with the sons of Thunder, Jesus and James and also many other illustrations that some people are more apt to enjoy certain spiritual gifts. Does this mean that certain spiritual gifts are then not open to some because it was never in their family? No, it is very similar to salvation in this way. If a family is raised to know Jesus and the Gospel, that family is very often all or many of them saved. Can others be introduced to salvation when no one else in their family is saved? Of course, we see this example often as well.
1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
He goes on then to encourage Timothy that he would stir up, or bring to life that gift that was in him to the edifying of the Gospel. This gift is one of boldness through Christ Jesus.
Now listen to the ninth verse about this 'holy calling'. This is a calling from the God of the universe. It is a greater calling than we will ever receive about anything in our life. Our love for Christ and our calling for his will should take the 1st place above all else in our life. It is above spouse, children and occupation. It is our calling, and if we follow it with all our might, then God will provide for the spouse, family and occupation. That is why Paul says that it is not a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind.
There is a reminder in here that if we suffer persecution, trials or worse, that is is not for nothing. We are not without a comforter nor are we without joy in our journey. There is a purpose and it is not all for naught.
Only through the 'holding fast' to the Gospel we are taught will we prove the words and example that are set before us. James 1:8 says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. God wants us to try him, and to do that, we'll have to stick around long enough for him to show his power and glory. He answers prayers.
So through and by the Holy Ghost that dwells within us, we are able to keep the faith and more forward for the Lord. It is not by accident, or happenstance, but through an indwelling of the trinity.
Paul finishes the chapter by mentioning one who was by his side through his struggles, one named Onesiphorus. We ought to treasure and pray for those that struggle with us for the good of the Gospel.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Revival thought for week 11 of 2012
Colossians 2:6 - 10
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
God has given us all that we need to live a life for him. He has given us all we need to witness to the lost, to live for him, and receive a crown for our work.
He has saved us wholly from sin. He has put us on a firm and solid foundation which is his truth. He has given us guidance and leadership through the Holy Ghost.
As is says here in Colossians, we are COMPLETE in him including victory over this world.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
God has given us all that we need to live a life for him. He has given us all we need to witness to the lost, to live for him, and receive a crown for our work.
He has saved us wholly from sin. He has put us on a firm and solid foundation which is his truth. He has given us guidance and leadership through the Holy Ghost.
As is says here in Colossians, we are COMPLETE in him including victory over this world.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Revival thought for week 10 of 2012
Prayer. We cannot have revival without it.
Matthew 17:20, 21
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Christ was plain, telling us that only through prayer would we have victory. Only by Holy communion will we obtain the spiritual revival we need. The bible says so, and many men since have said it as well.
We can rehearse, practice, and make sure everything is in the right place at the right time, but without the moving of the Holy Ghost we are lost and without hope.
James 5: 16 - 18
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Victory in Jesus is obtained only one way, and that is through communication by prayer, then the moving of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 17:20, 21
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Christ was plain, telling us that only through prayer would we have victory. Only by Holy communion will we obtain the spiritual revival we need. The bible says so, and many men since have said it as well.
We can rehearse, practice, and make sure everything is in the right place at the right time, but without the moving of the Holy Ghost we are lost and without hope.
James 5: 16 - 18
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Victory in Jesus is obtained only one way, and that is through communication by prayer, then the moving of the Holy Ghost.
1st Week of March 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
1 Timothy Chapter 6
Paul starts out with an idea that is a little bit foreign to us in this country. There hasn't been slavery in this for almost 150 years. So the ideas of servants and slaves is not something we deal with on a daily basis. The idea I believe he is saying there, is that that servants still owe their masters a service as long as the laws of that land are not calling on them to perform immoral acts. You can make the argument that the fact their are unpaid servants is immoral, but Paul was calling for God to be uplifted so that someone couldn't call Christianity false because of the actions of the Christian. This problem we are all too familiar with especially today. It is the Christian that give Christianity a bad name, not Christ.
He continues to let Timothy know that anyone who teaches contrary to the doctrine that Timothy was taught in puffed up and full of themselves and not considering God and his word and message. He reminds Timothy to stay away from such people, and this advice is well advised for the modern Christian as well.
Should a Christian strive for money, glory and the things of this world? Of course not, because it will all pass away and is gone almost as soon as it appears. All this earth will pass away, but the labor we put forth for the Lord will endure forever. One of the most famous and misquoted verses is the 10th verse. It is the 'love' of money that is the root of all evil. A good Christian can use money for the good of his fellow man, but it is not required that a Christian have money in order for God to use it or him. He owns the cattle of a thousands hills, we don't have to be rich to serve him.
What are the good things that a Christian should always have in his heart and on his mind? Righteousness, faith, love, godliness, patience, meekness, those are the ideals of a God fearing Christian. When we are saved, and confession is made with the mouth, this is done before witnesses, just as our savior was falsely accused before many witnesses and died for our sins in the same.This is done openly and not in secret, so endure in the calling of our salvation to go forward in the Gospel message.
Our hope is in an almighty God, a righteous and blameless that is the only one that can purge us of our sins. The advice that Paul gives Timothy in the final verses is a not only sound but a call to all Christians to live a victorious life in Jesus Christ.
Paul starts out with an idea that is a little bit foreign to us in this country. There hasn't been slavery in this for almost 150 years. So the ideas of servants and slaves is not something we deal with on a daily basis. The idea I believe he is saying there, is that that servants still owe their masters a service as long as the laws of that land are not calling on them to perform immoral acts. You can make the argument that the fact their are unpaid servants is immoral, but Paul was calling for God to be uplifted so that someone couldn't call Christianity false because of the actions of the Christian. This problem we are all too familiar with especially today. It is the Christian that give Christianity a bad name, not Christ.
He continues to let Timothy know that anyone who teaches contrary to the doctrine that Timothy was taught in puffed up and full of themselves and not considering God and his word and message. He reminds Timothy to stay away from such people, and this advice is well advised for the modern Christian as well.
Should a Christian strive for money, glory and the things of this world? Of course not, because it will all pass away and is gone almost as soon as it appears. All this earth will pass away, but the labor we put forth for the Lord will endure forever. One of the most famous and misquoted verses is the 10th verse. It is the 'love' of money that is the root of all evil. A good Christian can use money for the good of his fellow man, but it is not required that a Christian have money in order for God to use it or him. He owns the cattle of a thousands hills, we don't have to be rich to serve him.
What are the good things that a Christian should always have in his heart and on his mind? Righteousness, faith, love, godliness, patience, meekness, those are the ideals of a God fearing Christian. When we are saved, and confession is made with the mouth, this is done before witnesses, just as our savior was falsely accused before many witnesses and died for our sins in the same.This is done openly and not in secret, so endure in the calling of our salvation to go forward in the Gospel message.
Our hope is in an almighty God, a righteous and blameless that is the only one that can purge us of our sins. The advice that Paul gives Timothy in the final verses is a not only sound but a call to all Christians to live a victorious life in Jesus Christ.
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