Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”
Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”
Introduction
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27
Last week, as part of our Christmas series, we learned how to have JOY in difficult times. We, as
believers, have a never-ending source of joy from Christ Himself. Nothing can rob us of the JOY that we
have been given in Christ Jesus. We have joy, for we have been chosen. We have joy for our LORD is
sovereign. And therefore, we “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15).
This week, I would like to continue along this same line of hopeful messages from God’s Word
and discuss how we can not only have joy in difficult times but PEACE, as well. When the angelic hosts
announced the birth of the Christ Child to those chosen shepherds in Bethlehem, they shouted these
words of praise into the night sky:
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- 12/19/2020Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”
Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”Introduction “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27 Last week, as part of our Christmas series, we learned how to have JOY in difficult times. We, as believers, have a never-ending source of joy from Christ Himself. Nothing can rob us of the JOY that we have been given in Christ Jesus. We have joy, for we have been chosen. We have joy for our LORD is sovereign. And therefore, we “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). This week, I would like to continue along this same line of hopeful messages from God’s Word and discuss how we can not only have joy in difficult times but PEACE, as well. When the angelic hosts announced the birth of the Christ Child to those chosen shepherds in Bethlehem, they shouted these words of praise into the night sky:
- 12/12/2020Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”
Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”A few years ago, back when it was acceptable to attend a music concert without risking your health and life, my wife and I attended an Oak Ridge Boys Christmas concert. (This is by no means a “spiritual endorsement” of The Oak Ridge Boys, I just happen to enjoy their music.) Anyways, we had a great time listening to all the Christmas Songs and just soaking up the whole “holiday spirit”, you might say. After the concert, Sandi bought me the group’s latest Christmas CD, which I have enjoyed immensely over the past few years. One of the songs on that CD is entitled “The Most Inconvenient Christmas”. As goes the typical country song, it is told in the form of a story. It is about a family traveling for the Christmas holiday to go and visit their grandfather. As the humorous story unfolds, we see the family experiencing one mishap after another. The car breaks down, and they have to spend the night in a truck stop until the repairs are finished, only to arrive a “grandpa’s” to find out that he had hung some faulty Christmas lights that caught fire and burned his house to the ground. Needless to say, it was a pretty unfortunate Christmas! But then the chorus of the song goes on to say, that although all this was inconvenient, “the most inconvenient Christmas ever was, was the first”. I think that we sometimes forget
- 12/05/2020Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”
Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”Introduction“Therefore, The LORD Himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive,
have a Son, and name Him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14The “Christmas Story”. We’ve all heard it so many times before, but it never loses its wonder. God became flesh and made His dwelling among men. He chose to appear in the lowliest of forms in the
lowliest places. The child of poor working-class parents in a part of the country that no one wished to live. It is a remarkable testimony to the fact that God did indeed “so love the world” (John 3:16), not just the most religious, or the upper-class persons of the world, but the world in its entirety. There was and is no one who is too “low” for Christ to reach. And He proved that where He chose to make His birth announcement. Nazareth was not on the list of the ten most desirable vacation destinations for the well to do. It was a little nothing-of-a-village with very little to offer in the way of reputation. In fact, there was a saying in those days that was well known throughout the region:“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46
- 11/22/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”
While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”IntroductionHow can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10What a joy it must have been for the Thessalonian Church when they received their first correspondence from the Apostle Paul! After all, he had only been with them a very short while before he had been run out of town. After his departure, wicked men came in and tried to discredit him by casting doubt upon his motives for coming to Thessalonica in the first place. Paul was used to this kind of persecution and would have never left the city, had it not been for his concern for Jason, the Jewish convert who had so kindly allowed Paul and his companions to stay with him. You see, the city officials had forced Jason to put up collateral that would be seized if Paul remained in Thessalonica. Not to mention the fact that Jason more than likely would have been arrested for harboring “criminals”.As a result, Paul and his companions departed much earlier than they had intended, all the while consumed with concern that the fledgling church that they had planted would not survive in the face of such tremendous opposition. But God… is faithful. It is HE, and He alone, that always finishes what He begins. I cannot help but wonder if seeing God complete the work in Thessalonica without Paul’s assistance was the catalyst that would strengthen the apostle’s own faith and enable him to write these words years later in his letter to the church at Philippi.I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
- 11/14/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”
While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”Abram believed The LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 Just this past week, I was contacted by a dear friend in the faith, who called me up for some advice. It seems that she, in her current position in life, finds herself surrounded by atheists from every possible direction. She is under a constant barrage of attacks upon her Christian beliefs. She does not want to shirk from her responsibilities as a believer to witness to those who are persecuting her. But she is struggling with maintaining her composer in the face of such verbal attacks. Her question to me was simple: “How can I continue to witness to these people without losing my temper?” I had to stop and ask God how to answer. After a quick moment of prayer for discernment, I suggested to her that she try a new approach. When they come to you and in their normal argumentative fashion attack you with their secular humanistic nonsense, listen politely until they have finished. After they are through beating you down with their ridiculous beliefs, ask them this simple question in a polite tone of voice; “May I tell you now what I believe?” If their answer is “No", then politely walk away. But if they say “Yes”, then begin your reply with, “The Bible says…”. After you say this, quote from the scriptures and then explain what those scriptures mean. Why did I tell her to approach them in this manner? Because our words alone have no power in them, but God’s word does, my friends. The word of God is packed with wonder-working power. The word in Greek that Paul uses to describe the working of God’s Word is “energeo” (pronounced en-ergeh’- o), and it is where we derive our word “energy” from. When God talks, there is immense power in His Words. That is why believing in what He tells us empowers us to be saved in the first place.
- 11/07/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we
conducted ourselves with you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:10
In the first section of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul reminds the people of just how
he knows that their fellowship there is a work of The Holy Spirit and not of men. He knew that they were
the genuine article, because of the evidence that came as a result of their conversion.
We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by FAITH,
your labor motivated by LOVE, and your endurance inspired by HOPE in our LORD
Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (emphasis added)
You see, it was their faith, hope, and love that identified them as true believers. Their witness,
that came as a result of these three things, was in itself living proof that God had done a mighty work in
the city of Thessalonica. In spite of severe pressure and persecution, the church had “kept the faith”, as it
went about boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Contrary to what some may think, it is not the work of the church to change the government, enforce
the law, or right every wrong in society. Paul did not journey to Thessalonica in order to bring about some
social change or right some societal wrong. He went there to plant a church! Our commission is to
MAKE DISCIPLES, wherever we go. The more people that we win to Christ, the better the place in which
we live will become. As I am writing this, I cannot help but be saddened by the state of America today. It
has become a haunt for every demonic spirit imaginable. We will not solve this tragedy by voting for the
right politician. The state of our nation can only be made right by genuine remorse for our sin and
humbly turning to God in repentance. - 10/24/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes”
While I’m Waiting (Week 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes”
Introduction Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead — Jesus, Who rescues us from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:8b-10 Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew for a fact that Jesus was coming back this afternoon? I imagine that folk's plans for the day would change dramatically, if they knew. Some would spend the day in constant prayer, repenting for the things that they should not have done, and for not doing the things that they should have done. Others would immediately pick up the phone and try to witness to those lost friends, neighbors, or relatives in the hope that they would receive Christ, before it’s too late. Still others would, more than likely, ignore the news altogether and just go living as normal. But the question is; what would you do?
- 10/03/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
Introduction There are lots of religious people out there, and amongst them, plenty of false teachers to go around. The doctrines we hear are as diverse as snowflakes, it seems. There are many who “claim” to be Christian, but their actions prove those claims to be false. So, just how can you tell if someone is “real” or not? This would seem to me to be an important question, as we live in these perilous times. After all, we are commanded in Scripture to avoid that which is false. So, wouldn’t it be important to separate truth from falsehood in order to be able to avoid those who would lead us astray? I believe so. And so did the Apostles of Christ.Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out in the world. 1 John 4:1And also:Now I urge you brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, because such people do not serve our LORD Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. Romans 16:17-18 - 09/26/2020Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”
Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”Introduction The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore, I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:19In Paul’s final words to the church at Rome, he sends them greetings from the ministry delegation that was to accompany him to Jerusalem. In Chapter Sixteen of Romans, we see thirty-five names listed; twenty-six who had served with Paul previously and were now serving in Rome, and nine who were assembled with Paul at Corinth. The distinguishing characteristic of a good leader can be seen in the company who chooses to follow them. By this long list of exemplary servants, we see that Paul was indeed a good leader. It is interesting to note, that in the midst of Paul’s final words to the Romans, there is a short note from Tertius, Paul’s personal assistant, who actually transcribed this letter for Paul. By this time in his life, Paul’s eyesight was very poor, and he had to have help when writing to the churches. But even his disabilities could not diminish his zeal for ministry. People offer up all manner of excuses as to why they cannot serve in Christ’s kingdom, but Paul was certainly not one to make such excuses. He was a man who served faithfully right up until his final breath. His faithfulness is an example for all of us to follow. No matter what, as long as we have breath in us, we can serve our LORD is some manner. There are things that may slow us down, but nothing can stop us, for God is WITH US. The Corinthian Church was all too familiar with Paul’s physical impairments. They had seen them first hand, when he was with them, and later, they would be reminded of them once again when he wrote 2 Corinthians.
Notes are available here: https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/09-27-2020_Not-Ashamed-Week-39-Conclusion.pdf As a privacy courtesy, our live feed of the Sunday service will no longer show the prayer before worship. We respect everyone's privacy, and while some are willing to share freely with the church, they may not wish to have those requests known to everyone. Therefore if you would like to have a request posted on our page please, Message the page or email us at freedomgreenevillelive@gmail.com You can also see Cameron Abelseth before or after the service. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We love you all and may God bless you…Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with The LORD three times that it would leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9 - 09/19/2020Not Ashamed (Week 38) Romans 16:1-16 “People of The Romans Road”
Not Ashamed (Week 38) Romans 16:1-16 “People of The Romans Road”Not Ashamed (Week 38) Romans 16:1-16 “People of The Romans Road”
Lots of pastors will skip the Sixteenth Chapter of Romans when they teach through the book. To do so, in my humble opinion, is to miss out on a very important truth of which every follower of Christ should be aware: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. As Paul closes his letter to the church at Rome, he lists thirty-five separate names of people who are, in one way or another, involved in the church ministry there. These people, most of whom we have never heard of, were dear to the Apostle Paul. Many had served alongside of him during some of the most critical and difficult times in his life. What many have dismissed as just a simple greeting from Paul, I see, as The Holy Spirit revealing these people to us for a reason. They weren’t spectacular by any means, and the world, for the most part, has forgotten about them, but God hasn’t. And one day, when we all are reunited at the resurrection, we will have fellowship with these wonderful saints of God, who have not only gone before us but set before us a lasting example to follow. Now, if we were to take every name on this list and expand upon them one at a time, it would take weeks to try and uncover the secrets of their contribution to the faith. And for many of the names on this list, it would be impossible for us to ever know their stories. However, the ones that we do know about are fascinating for us to rediscover. The most powerful thing that strikes me about this list of the faithful is the diversity of it all. There are men and women, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, slave and free, and yet, each is valuable, not only in Paul’s eyes but in the eyes of a Heavenly Father, Who made sure that they were listed here for posterity. God uses people from all walks of life. While others may judge by one’s status or lineage, God looks upon the heart. And to Him, all are valuable, as well as, equal.Introduction …How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Romans 10:15bThere is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male of female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
- 09/12/2020Not Ashamed (Week 37) Romans 15:20-33 “Koinonia”
Not Ashamed (Week 37) Romans 15:20-33 “Koinonia”Not Ashamed (Week 37) Romans 15:20-33 “Koinonia”IntroductionKoinonia (Greek) - communion or fellowship, joint participation, the share which one has in anything. A gift jointly contributed a collection. It identifies the idealized state of fellowship and unity that should exist within the Christian Church, the Body of Christ.Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Romans 15:25-26There are some wonderful Christian principals that are clearly demonstrated in Paul’s closing of his letter to the church at Rome. The wonderful thing about Paul, that should be able to be said of any pastor, is that he practiced what he preached. There isn’t the slightest bit of hypocrisy in this faithful apostle. He took his calling seriously, and as such, he was able to say things like:Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
- 09/05/2020Not Ashamed (Week 36) Romans 15:14-21 “Make Disciples”
Not Ashamed (Week 36) Romans 15:14-21 “Make Disciples”Introduction…Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. Romans 15:21When we get into the closing section of Paul’s letter to the Romans, it becomes clear that Paul not only was not the founder of the church there, but more than likely, he did not even know any of its membership. He had heard of their faithfulness, and as a preacher of the gospel, he wanted to make certain that they were fully aware of all the doctrines of the faith. He sent the letter that is now commonly known as The New Testament “Book of Romans” in care of a godly emissary named Phoebe, in hopes that it would be graciously received by the church. Paul doesn’t rebuke the church at Rome for any cause, but rather, he praises it for its faithfulness and sound doctrine. His purpose in writing was to formally introduce himself to the congregants through Phoebe, in hopes that one day he would be able to visit them personally. Paul, like any brother in Christ, longed for the fellowship of other Believers. In Romans 15:14-15, Paul actually offers an apology for coming on so strong in his letter. He doesn’t want the church to think that he is critiquing them, but rather, he feels that it is his obligation to make sure that the church there has been established upon sound doctrine. This is why the book of Romans is so completely saturated with the tenants of the Christian faith. We today, can be thankful that Paul felt compelled to write such a letter to the church at Rome, for it has become a lasting treasure to those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. Romans is the very essence of our faith consolidated into one wondrous document. The Spirit of God knew full well what He was doing when He compelled Paul to write this letter, even though Paul himself could not have possibly known that it would be handed down from generation to generation of Believers all around the world! We serve an amazing God indeed! In his closing remarks to the Romans, Paul gives us some personal insight into the very heart of this faithful missionary. He, of all men, lived up to his full potential as an ambassador of Christ. He is an example for us all by his zeal to share the gospel with those who have not heard. We would do well to emulate him in this, for I do believe that the time is short and The Day of The LORD is at hand. Paul was a man on a mission, and he tirelessly pursued those who were lost without hope. He was the embodiment The LORD’S great commission:Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
- 08/29/2020Not Ashamed (Week 35) Romans 15:1-13 “Communion”
Not Ashamed (Week 35) Romans 15:1-13 “Communion”
Not Ashamed (Week 35) Romans 15:1-13 “Communion”
Communion: (noun) The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially
when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level. (Websters Dictionary)
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you to the glory of
God. Romans 15:7
In the Fifteenth Chapter of Romans, we are shown exactly how a healthy church, one being led
by The Spirit of God, is supposed to operate. The church of Rome was a multifaceted congregation
indeed. There were Jewish converts to Christianity, as well as, Gentile Believers that came from every
type of paganism imaginable. And what was The Spirit’s message to this diverse group? To function as
one, to be a single entity wherein each member was more concerned about his neighbor’s well being than
that of his own. This is agape love. It is a unity of purpose that can only come from The Holy Spirit. And
only a “Spirit-filled” church can operate in spiritual oneness. In fact, it was the very thing that Christ
prayed for on the night before He surrendered Himself to the cross.
I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their word.
May they all be one, as you, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in
Us, so that the world may believe You sent Me. John 17:20-21As a privacy courtesy, our live feed of the Sunday service will no longer show the prayer before worship. We respect everyone's privacy, and while some are willing to share freely with the church, they may not wish to have those requests known to everyone. Therefore if you would like to have a request posted on our page please, Message the page or email us at freedomgreenevillelive@gmail.com You can also see Cameron Abelseth before or after the service. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We love you all and may God bless yo
- 08/15/2020Not Ashamed (Week 34) Romans 14:13-23 “Stumbling Blocks”
Not Ashamed (Week 34) Romans 14:13-23 “Stumbling Blocks”Not Ashamed (Week 34) Romans 14:13-23 “Stumbling Blocks”If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in Me — to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 (NIV)In Romans Chapter 14:1-12, we are commanded to accept those who are weaker in the faith. Accept them and do not judge them. We are to do this, because they have been accepted by Christ, and they will ultimately be judged by Christ. In verses 13-23, Paul adds to this teaching by saying that not only are we to accept those who are weaker in the faith, but we are to do everything that we can to strengthen and encourage them as well. This edification (building up) of those who are weak is to be done, even if it comes at great expense to us. Although those of who are now free in Christ have come to realize what a great freedom we have been given, that freedom does not give license to disregard the feelings of those around us. In short, my freedom in Christ ends where others may become hurt because of it. It is always the responsibility of the child of God to “love first”, before anything else. We live in a world that is bent upon divisiveness these days. But The Bible has commanded us to love, to put the needs of others ahead of our own, and to weigh our every decision against the effects that it would have upon those around us. This does not come natural for the “sensual man”, but it should be to the spiritual one.
- 08/08/2020Not Ashamed (Week 33) Romans 14:1-12 “Let God Be The Judge”
Not Ashamed (Week 33) Romans 14:1-12 “Let God Be The Judge”Not Ashamed (Week 33) Romans 14:1-12 “Let God Be The Judge”IntroductionSo then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12 When Scripture is perfectly clear about something, we know exactly what to do and how to behave accordingly. But what about the things that are not clearly defined in The Scriptures? What do we do then? Answer: We act according to our conscience. You see, there are some things that are wrong for me to do, but maybe perfectly acceptable to someone else. Not every single thing is covered in Scripture, and therefore, we must do our best to live with a clear conscience before God. And that means, that often times, we have to take a “live and let live” approach with our fellow believers, who may not see everything as we do.
- 08/01/2020Not Ashamed (Week 32) Romans 13:8-14 Devoted, and Dressed. “Works for Me!”
Not Ashamed (Week 32) Romans 13:8-14 Devoted, and Dressed. “Works for Me!”Not Ashamed (Week 32) Romans 13:8-14 Devoted, and Dressed. "Works for Me!"Introduction And one of them, an expert in The Law, asked a question to test Him: ‘Teacher, which command in The Law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘Love The LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.’ Matthew 22:35-40 I had someone ask me just the other day, why do I preach about love more than I do about sin? The answer is simple. All sin is rooted in a love problem. Please allow me to explain. Every time we sin against God, or our fellow man, it shows that we love ourselves more than we love them. All sin is rooted in self love. When a child of God gets his love in the right proportion, he will get his sin under control. In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that we are to become a “living sacrifice”. This means that rather than operate according to our own senses (sensuality), we should respond to everything according to the Spirit of God (spirituality). In short, we sacrifice our own personal agendas for the sake of serving Christ and His Church. This is what it means to be a living sacrifice.
- 07/25/2020Not Ashamed (Week 31) Romans 13:1-7 “Civil Obedience”
Not Ashamed (Week 31) Romans 13:1-7 “Civil Obedience”Not Ashamed (Week 31) Romans 13:1-7 “Civil Obedience”In Romans Chapter 12, Paul begins a long discourse on just what it means to be a Christian. It starts with becoming a “living sacrifice”, where our wills are surrendered to the will of God. NO longer do we act based upon how we “feel” in a particular moment, but rather, we act according to the leading of The Holy Spirit. And, as such, we will not only love those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we will love those who despise us as well. It is God’s love (agape) coming out from within us. For we know that God so loved the world (John 3:16), and therefore, when we are like God, we love not only those who will love us in return, but also those who do not.
- 07/18/2020Not Ashamed (Week 30) Romans 12:9-21 “Love Must Be Sincere”
Not Ashamed (Week 30) Romans 12:9-21 “Love Must Be Sincere”Not Ashamed (Week 30) Romans 12:9-21 “Love Must Be Sincere”“Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9 In Romans 12:9-21, Paul continues his discourse on Christian duty and actually lists 25 different attributes of a true believer. The Christian, who has been consecrated as a living sacrifice, will be unlike anyone else in this world. They are no longer sensual, but spiritual, and as such, they will love, not as the world does, but as Christ loves. A careful reading of the gospels will clearly demonstrate for us the love of Christ. He loved those who loved Him, as well as, those who rejected Him. At Calvary, we see Him praying for those who despised Him. And, as a result of this unconditional love for the unlovable, two men, a Jewish thief and a Gentile Centurion, were converted to faith that day. The Biblical word for this type of unnatural self-sacrificial love is “agape”. It was a word that the Greeks seldom used, for this kind of love was often viewed in Greek culture as foolishness and weakness. In The New Testament, it is this Greek word that has been co-opted to describe the kind of love that indwells a Spirit-filled Believer. It is a God kind of love. Paul begins his list of Christian attributes in Romans verse nine, by saying: “Let agape be without hypocrisy….”
- 07/11/2020Not Ashamed (Week 29) Romans 12:1-8 “Living Sacrifices”
Not Ashamed (Week 29) Romans 12:1-8 “Living Sacrifices”Not Ashamed (Week 29) Romans 12:1-8 “Living Sacrifices”“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” Romans 12:1 The first eight chapters of Romans deal with doctrine. We are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, and that not of ourselves. It is the gift of God lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8 roughly translated). We learn from those first eight chapters that all who are “in Christ” are secure and have been forever and completely delivered from God’s wrath. “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1
- 06/27/2020Not Ashamed (Week 27) Romans 10 “Christ: The Final Destination”
Not Ashamed (Week 27) Romans 10 “Christ: The Final Destination”Not Ashamed (Week 27) Romans 10 “Christ: The Final Destination”Introduction“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” Romans 10:4 Have you ever stopped to think about just who would make the “best” Believers? Of course, we would never purposely say that out loud, but we do try and make that distinction by the way that we share our faith do we not? We think of someone who is lost, and we say to ourselves, “I need to share Christ with them.” But what about all of the people who are lost that never cross our minds? Are we supposed to pick and choose who gets to hear the message and who doesn’t? If we truly believe that God is sovereign, and only He knows who will and who will not believe, then shouldn’t we be about sharing the gospel with everyone? The answer to that question is “yes” by the way. We have no idea who the “chosen” ones are. Therefore, it is our responsibility to see to it that everyone hears, not just the select few.
- 06/13/2020Not Ashamed (Week 25) Daniel 2:1-45 “The Times of The Gentiles”
Not Ashamed (Week 25) Daniel 2:1-45 “The Times of The Gentiles”Not Ashamed (Week 25) Daniel 2:1-45 “The Times of The Gentiles”Introduction“…I will call Not My People, My People, and she who is Unloved, Beloved. And it will be in the place where they were told, you are not My people, there they will be called sons of The Living God.” Romans 9:25b-26 I believe that many Christians today struggle with the idea of God’s complete sovereignty. Many believe that God is reactionary, that He sees what is going on down here, and then, responds to it accordingly. The Bible is clear that this is not the case. God is SOVEREIGN, which means there is never a moment when He is not in complete control. He sees the beginning from the end and nothing can occur unless He allows is to be so. If people could only get a grasp upon this reality, then their faith would increase exponentially. God’s will cannot be undone, or even slowed. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and fully in command. This is how we can know that we are secure in Christ Jesus because God has destined it to be so.
- 06/06/2020Not Ashamed (Week 24) Romans 9:14-33 “Is God Fair?”
Not Ashamed (Week 24) Romans 9:14-33 “Is God Fair?”Not Ashamed (Week 24) Romans 9:14-33 “Is God Fair?”Introduction “What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! Romans 9:14 We live in a society in which the founding fathers declared that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…”. We strive for this ideal in our country, and as noble as it may seem, the question remains, “Is this really true?” Does God treat everyone the same? In our mind, that would seem to be fair, would it not? But scripture is pretty clear that everyone is not treated equally. In fact, if we were all to get what we deserved, then all of us would be sentenced to death for our sins, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- 05/30/2020NOT Ashamed Week 23
NOT Ashamed Week 23NOT ASHAMED WEEK 23
- 05/23/2020Not Ashamed (Week 22) Romans 8:28-39 “More Than Conquerors”
Not Ashamed (Week 22) Romans 8:28-39 “More Than Conquerors”Not Ashamed (Week 22) Romans 8:28-39 “More Than Conquerors”“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.” Romans 8:37 As we conclude our study of Romans Chapter Eight, we come to some of the most quoted verses in all of scripture. But I wonder, if those who so often quote these verses fully comprehend their true meaning. Paul is assuring the believer, in this passage, that Jesus will finish the work that He began in them upon their salvation. Last week, we discussed the fact that the child of God is guaranteed three things: Justification, which speaks of our “Position on Christ”; Sanctification, which is the “Process” that The Spirit uses to conform us to holiness; and ultimately, Glorification, which is the finished “Product” when the sons of God are revealed in perfection.
- 05/16/202005-17-2020_Not Ashamed (weeek 21)
05-17-2020_Not Ashamed (weeek 21)
05-17-2020_Not Ashamed (week 21)
“The Glory To Come”“The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if
children, also heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ — if indeed we suffer
with him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17
There are three things that every truly born-again Christian is assured of in his walk with God.
They are as follows: Justification, Sanctification, and ultimately Glorification. Justification has often been
described as “just as if I never sinned”. This means that a person who has been baptized in Christ is
washed clean and has been given “righteous credit” simply by believing Christ. It is the very same thing
that happened to Abraham, when he trusted in God’s promises, even though he could not see them at the
time. - 05/02/2020(Week 20) In Christ Alone [Part 2]
(Week 20) In Christ Alone [Part 2](Week 20) In Christ Alone [Part 2]Christ Jesus! Paul tells us that all of these riches are both endowed and empowered by The Holy Spirit, Whom he mentions almost twenty times in this chapter. It is by The Spirit that we are baptized into Christ and receive our deliverance:“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1And it is The Spirit who gives us our new nature in Christ.“For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to The Spirit have their minds set on the things of The Spirit.” Romans 8:5So, as we discussed last week, The Spirit of The Living God has baptized us in Christ and Saved us, Set us free from the law of sin and death, and come to live within us. But this my brothers and sisters is merely the beginning of what The Spirit wants to do in those of us who are in Christ! As we continue on through the Eighth Chapter of Romans, we begin to fully understand that a born again believer in Jesus will not only have a desire to stop sinning (because of his new nature), but he also has the power to overcome sin in his flesh. In short, a true Christian will not only despise sin but also has been given everything that he needs to keep himself from sin. The lost person longs to sin and cannot help himself from sinning, because his spirit, the very thing that is meant to connect him to God, is dead.
- 04/26/2020Not Ashamed (Week 19) Romans 8:1-9 “In Christ Alone”
Not Ashamed (Week 19) Romans 8:1-9 “In Christ Alone”
The Eighth Chapter of Romans has often been called things like “the crown jewel of all
scripture”. The chapter begins with arguably the most liberating verse in the entire Bible. It unequivocally
proclaims that those who are “In Christ Jesus” shall never be subject to condemnation. The Greek word
here that is translated “condemnation” is Katakrima (pronounced kat-ak’-ree-mah) and is used to describe
a sentence or punishment for crimes committed. The message here is clear. Those who place their
faith in the LORD Jesus Christ shall never be punished for their sins. They are completely and
permanently forgiven.
This is why the message of the cross is called “the good news”. For it is the only hope for the
redemption of fallen mankind. In Romans 3:20,
- 04/19/202004-19-20_Not Ashamed (Week 18) – Notes
04-19-20_Not Ashamed (Week 18) – Notes04-19-20_Not Ashamed (Week 18)"The Struggle is Real"Romans 7:14-25As we have stated earlier, legalism, the belief that by working through our own strength we can please God, is a destroyer of churches. So many Christians mistakenly believe that after they have been saved by grace, it is then left up to them to live according to God’s commands. This, in turn, produces a strict rules-oriented type of person, with an overinflated self-image, who tends to undervalue those around them. On the outside, the legalist appears to have it all together, but on the inside, if they were completely honest about it, they are miserable.
- 04/12/202004-12-20_Easter 2020 – John 20
04-12-20_Easter 2020 – John 2004-12-20_Easter 2020The story of the resurrection IS TRUE, so, therefore, we have hope when the rest of the world does
not. And even in the midst of trials, such as the ones we are currently facing, we know that our risen
LORD is here with us. Just as He appeared to Mary in that awful cemetery, when she thought all hope
was lost, He will also be with us. He will be with us when we feel alone. He will be with us when we are
FFG - Sunday, April 12, 2020 - 2 of 5
afraid. And He will be with us, even when we are doubtful. Let us look together this morning at the
wondrous Easter story and fully experience the presence of Emmanuel, God WITH US. - 04/04/202004-05-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 17) – Notes
04-05-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 17) – Notes04-05-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 17) -Not Ashamed (Week 17) Romans 7:1-13 “A Wedding and a Funeral”
- 03/28/202003-29-2020_How To Pray in Times of Trouble (Psalm 20)
03-29-2020_How To Pray in Times of Trouble (Psalm 20)03-29-2020_How To Pray in Times of Trouble (Psalm 20)
- 03/07/202003-08-2020_Ordination Service Stephen Reynolds Pre-Post Notes
03-08-2020_Ordination Service Stephen Reynolds Pre-Post Notes03-08-2020_Ordination Service Stephen Reynolds Pre-Post Notes
- 02/29/202003-01-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 16)- Notes
03-01-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 16)- Notes03-01-2020_Not Ashamed (Week 16)- Notes - Give Yourself Away”
- 02/22/202002-23-2020_Not Ashamed (week 15) Pre-Post Notes
02-23-2020_Not Ashamed (week 15) Pre-Post Notes02-23-2020_Not Ashamed (week 15) Pre-Post Notes
- 02/15/2020Not Ashamed (Week 14) Romans 5:12-21 “A Tale of Two Adams”
Not Ashamed (Week 14) Romans 5:12-21 “A Tale of Two Adams”Not Ashamed (Week 14) Romans 5:12-21 “A Tale of Two Adams”Introduction “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned. In fact, sin was in the world before The Law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a type of the Coming One.” Romans 5:12-14 It has often been called “the most difficult passage in the book of Romans”. And on the surface, it does seem confusing and convoluted. But, to fully understand Romans 5:12-21 is to understand the very essence of the Christian faith and the necessity for salvation through the One Man Jesus Christ. For in this passage, we see the “tale of two Adams”, as it were; the first Adam bringing us death, and the second one offering us life.
- 02/02/2020Not Ashamed (Week 13) Romans 5:5-11 “But Wait… There’s More!”
Not Ashamed (Week 13) Romans 5:5-11 “But Wait… There’s More!”
Not Ashamed (Week 13) Romans 5:5-11 “But Wait… There’s More!”
Introduction We all remember those infomercials from when we were younger. The excited announcer would describe whatever product they were trying to sell in the most flattering way imaginable. He would list all the great attributes of the product, and just when you thought that the presentation was over and you had seen it all, he exclaims, “But wait, there’s more!” - 01/26/2020Not Ashamed (Week 12) Romans 5:1-5 “Sustained By Grace”
Not Ashamed (Week 12) Romans 5:1-5 “Sustained By Grace”Not Ashamed (Week 12) Romans 5:1-5 “Sustained By Grace”IntroductionOne of the most controversial doctrines within the body of Christ is that of “Eternal Security”, otherwise known as “Once saved…always saved”. In Romans Chapter Four, Paul makes it abundantly clear for us that we are saved by grace alone, and that no man’s “good work” can obtain a right standing before a Holy and just God. But what happens after a person is saved? Can he lose his salvation by not living up to God’s perfect standards? And if so, just how far does a person have to fall before he crosses that invisible line and loses favor with God? These are but a few of the questions that have caused many a church split, as well as, anxious Christians to walk the floor at night, wondering if they have somehow fallen from grace. In fact, several years ago, there was a church just up the street from where I was pastoring, and they boasted of having fifty to sixty baptisms every month. I was genuinely excited when I heard of these numbers until I learned that the church only had about two hundred members! How can you baptize fifty people every month and not have a significant growth in your church membership? It turns out that the church in question was baptizing the same people over and over again, because every time they committed a sin, they were afraid that they had lost their standing with God and had to be saved and baptized all over again! The fact is, this teaching is quite dangerous for one simple reason. It teaches that although we are “saved by grace”, we must “stay saved” by our own power. In other words, while God alone has the power to save you, you alone must keep from losing that salvation by your own power! Here is the simple truth of it all. No one can save themselves, and no one can keep themselves saved. It is ALL a work of grace from start to finish. Just listen to the words Jesus prayed before going to the cross.“I Am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I Am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your Name that You have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, I was protecting them by Your Name that You have given Me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled.” John 17:11-12
- 01/19/2020Not Ashamed (Week 11) Romans 4:9-25 “How Big is YOUR God?”
Not Ashamed (Week 11) Romans 4:9-25 “How Big is YOUR God?”Not Ashamed (Week 11) Romans 4:9-25 “How Big is YOUR God?”Introduction“He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, He was also able to do. Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22If you were to briefly summarize the entire Fourth Chapter of Romans into a single sentence, it would simply say: Salvation is not attained by works, nor religious observances, but rather, it is only received by the power of God. That pretty much sums up the entire chapter. There is nothing that a person can do to save himself. Therefore, he must rely completely upon God to come to his rescue. And while it is true that we are required to have faith in order to obtain God’s grace, a quick study of the Holy Scriptures will inform us that even the faith that is necessary to save us has been given to us through God’s power.“For you are saved by grace through faith; and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
- 01/12/2020Not Ashamed (Week 10) Romans 4:1-8 “The Testimony of Two Witnesses”
Not Ashamed (Week 10) Romans 4:1-8 “The Testimony of Two Witnesses”Not Ashamed (Week 10) Romans 4:1-8 “The Testimony of Two Witnesses”Introduction“Abraham believed The LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
Genesis 15:6In Jewish Law, a testimony was only considered valid, if it was given by at least two witnesses
(Deuteronomy 17:6). As Paul lays out his defense of “salvation by grace through faith”, he calls to the
stand two of the greatest “witnesses” from Israel’s history to prove his point, that no one can justify
himself by his works. Apart from God’s redeeming grace, no one can be saved. And this marvelous
grace can only be received BY FAITH. This is the central message of Romans and even Christianity
itself, and it stands in contrast with every other religion on the face of this earth. All others beliefs center
around man’s ability to earn favor with God. But Christianity teaches us, that in order to be saved, every
man must first admit that he simply cannot save himself.
If ever there was a person in all of Israel, who would be considered worthy of good standing in the
eyes of God, it would be Father Abraham. After all, it was he who left everything to follow God and
received the promise of becoming a great nation.…“Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I
will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your
name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse
anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed
through you.” Genesis 12:1-3 - 12/21/2019Pre-post 12/22/2019 luke 1:5-38 The Setting, The Son, and The Servent
Pre-post 12/22/2019 luke 1:5-38 The Setting, The Son, and The ServentPre-post 12/22/2019 luke 1:5-38 The Setting, The Son, and The Servent
- 12/14/2019Pre- Post Notes 12-15-19_Christmas 2019
Pre- Post Notes 12-15-19_Christmas 2019Pre- Post Notes 12-15-19_Christmas 2019
- 12/08/2019Not Ashamed (Week 9) Romans 3:21-31 “ Boast in Christ Alone”
Not Ashamed (Week 9) Romans 3:21-31 “ Boast in Christ Alone”Not Ashamed (Week 9) Romans 3:21-31 “ Boast In Christ Alone”Introduction“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” John 5:39-40 (NIV) Pride. The world is filled with it. People everywhere are clamoring for attention, recognition, and acclamation. I cannot help but think of all the so-called “awards shows” where celebrities all get dressed up in their finery, handing out trophies to one another for their supposed achievements in the entertainment industry. It seems that these people just can’t get enough of hearing how wonderful and talented they are. When you take a step back from it all, it is all shallow and quite frankly a bit nauseating. Why is it that all of mankind wants to glorify itself? Could it be that they are simply following in the traditions of Satan himself, who was cast out of heaven for his pridefulness?“You said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the god’s assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” Isaiah 14:13-14
- 12/01/201912-01-19_Not Ashamed (Week 8)
12-01-19_Not Ashamed (Week 8)12-01-19_Not Ashamed (Week 8)
- 11/24/201911-24-19_Not Ashamed (Week 7)
11-24-19_Not Ashamed (Week 7)11-24-19_Not Ashamed (Week 7)
- 11/17/201911-17-19_Not Ashamed (Week 6)
11-17-19_Not Ashamed (Week 6)This was automatically recovered, cancel to remove this revision or save to recover this autosave. See history11-16-19_Not Ashamed (Week 6)
- 10/20/201910-20-19_Not Ashamed (Week 4)
- 10/12/201910-13-19_Not-Ashamed-Week-3
10-13-19_Not-Ashamed-Week-3Pre-post Notes 10-13-19_Not-Ashamed-Week-3
- 09/29/201909-29-19_Not Ashamed (Week 2)
09-29-19_Not Ashamed (Week 2)Not Ashamed (Week 2)
- 09/22/201909-22-19_Romans – Not Ashamed (week 1)
09-22-19_Romans – Not Ashamed (week 1)09-22-19_Romons Not Ashamed (week 1)
- 09/15/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 19 finale)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 19 finale)Living In Resurrection Power (week 19 finale)
- 09/08/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 18)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 18)09-08-19_Living In Resurrection Power (week 18)
- 09/01/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 17)
- 08/25/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 16)
- 08/18/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 15)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 15)Living In Resurrection Power (week 15)
- 08/11/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 14)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 14)Living In Resurrection Power (week 14)
- 08/04/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 13)
- 07/28/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 12)
- 07/21/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 11)
- 07/14/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 10)
- 07/07/2019Living in Resurrection Power (week 9)
Living in Resurrection Power (week 9)Living in Resurrection Power (week 9)
- 06/30/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 8)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 8)Living In ResurrectionPower (week 8)
- 06/26/201906-23-19_Living In Resurrection Power (week 7)
06-23-19_Living In Resurrection Power (week 7)Living In Resurrection Power (week 7)
- 06/16/2019Living in Resurrection Power (week 6)
Living in Resurrection Power (week 6)
- 05/26/2019Living in Resurrection Power (week 5)
Living in Resurrection Power (week 5)"Living in Resurrection Power (week 5)".
- 05/19/2019Living In Resurrection Power (week 4)
Living In Resurrection Power (week 4)"Living In Resurrection Power (week 4)".
- 05/05/2019Living in Resurrection Power (week 3)
Living in Resurrection Power (week 3)
- 04/28/2019Living in Resurrection Power (week 2)
Living in Resurrection Power (week 2)"Living in Resurrection Power (week 2)".
- 04/21/2019Living in Resurrection Power-Week 1
Living in Resurrection Power-Week 1"Living in Resurrection Power-Week 1".
- 04/07/2019Considering Job (week 10 finale)
Considering Job (week 10 finale)"Considering Job (week 10 finale)".
- 03/31/2019Considering Job (week 9)
Considering Job (week 9)"Considering Job (week 9)".
- 03/24/2019Considering Job (week 8)
Considering Job (week 8)"Considering Job (week 8)".
- 03/17/2019Considering Job (week 7)
Considering Job (week 7)"Considering Job (week 7)".
- 03/10/2019Considering Job (week 6)
Considering Job (week 6)"Considering Job (week 6)".
- 03/03/2019Considering Job (week 5)
Considering Job (week 5)"Considering Job (week 5)".
- 01/27/2019Considering Job (week 3)
Considering Job (week 3)"Considering Job (week 3)".
