Jeff Stevens: Recent Episodes
Jeff
Theology, Biblical teaching and encouragement from a former Special Operations Medic, father, husband and lover of the Word of God.
Building on the theme from Hebrews 5 about spiritual maturity, the author calls us to move toward perfection. We should desire to grow and mature in our walk with Christ. What is holding you back from the growth that you should be having? Is the rain that pours down from God producing a harvest in you? Or are you growing thorns?
This is a challenging message from the author of Hebrews. Calling out the church for its immaturity. Believers never maturing and only being able to take in milk like a baby instead of solid food like a mature Christian. We should not only be learning the gospel message, but also learning some greater theology in an effort to be a teacher! Able to teach our kids, inform our friends and answer the tough questions! Christian, it is most certainly time to grow up!
This is a great study that shows the correlation between Jesus and the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods. Understanding that Jesus is our great high priest and why it is important is a building block to realizing Him as the one who atones for our sin perfectly. As believers we are called to draw near to Him and be confident that He has the power to save us!
The goal of life, while glorifying God, is to enter into His rest. Jesus is our Sabbath and He is truly our rest. But the author continues to remind us that there are many who will not enter into that rest. This should be a call to urgent action in the church. Find that urgency to reach the last, as the Holy Spirit has empowered us to preach the Gospel message!
The author of Hebrews cannot accentuate the urgent call to encouragement any more. From the Israelites who died in the desert, to the first century church, all the way to our own pews, we must realize the urgency of this message. Because we do not wish for any to fall away from the living God, we must encourage one another, day after day!
We have built a foundation of understanding of who Jesus is, what He has done and why He has done it, as we studied Hebrews 1-2. Now the author delivers a fantastic message on why we should keep our eyes on Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of or salvation! This study helps us to understand that God say it fitting, that Jesus, the Son, would become the propitiation for our sin. This is an amazing message of perfect hope!
When you start your day in the Word, it means the foundation of your day will be built on the cornerstone, which is Jesus Christ. When we are moored to the Word of God, we will surely never drift away.
The author of Hebrews is intent to show that Jesus is higher than the angels. Why was this so important? While we work to answer this question, we also learn some amazing things about our Lord. One of the things we learn is that we are loved by a Great Great God!
This introduction to Hebrews just scratches the surface of the nature of Jesus Christ. One point that stands out in this study is that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory. What an amazing truth to contemplate as we consider that such a Majestic Creator would consider us. This perspective should have quantifiable impacts on your worship.
It may surprise you that many who profess to be Christians in America today, do not actually believe in the literal, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Sunday, while celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, we will discuss what Paul has to say about this event and how it is tied to our faith. He Has Risen!
This week we finish Paul's letter to Philemon. Paul appeals to Philemon's faithfulness to set the stage for the reconciliation of Onesimus. This story is a beautiful picture of how we, as believers, are reconciled to our Loving God!
This week we will dive into the letter from Paul to Philemon. A letter that is an amazing and uplifting story of reconciliation. The opening gives us a glimpse into a healthy and loving home church. Our study today should have you wondering if Paul wrote a letter to your church, would it bear the same message of joy and comfort?
Chad White walks us through what it means to honor your father. An important message that helps us to understand what God wants for us as believers and the legacy that we will leave for our own children.
This is the final study in the Epistle to Titus. In this lesson we will be stirred to ask the question of ourselves: What can I do more for Jesus? When realize just how amazing the work of salvation is, it should motivate us to lead in good works!
Being released from the bonds of slavery by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is the most liberating event that can happen in a person's life. When you have surrendered to Christ, it is hard to look back on the slave you once were. As we are encouraged in Galatian 5 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore, stand firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Look back to that moment when you realized initially just how precious God's grace is to your salvation. When you realized that you were saved. Then live in that moment of grace. Adorn yourself with the doctrine of God. Wear it everywhere you go. Speak boldly of the Gospel, work zealously out of that grace and realize that you belong to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Paul calls Titus to teach the men and women of the church about the conduct of believers. Men and women should be aware of how they act and what they say. Not just because they are trying to be "good." But because they are setting the example for younger believers. Teaching young believers has as much to do with what we do, as what we say. This is a great lesson on being a good example for our young men and women.
We should be able to find joy in knowing that we are striving to honor our Father through sound teaching. Clinging to the truth of the Gospel and doing good out of our love for Him. And never being afraid to call out that which is ungodly. Because...we know our God!
In Paul's Epistle to Titus, there are many parallels in the requirements of an elder that are expressed to Timothy. This helps support the consistency that Paul expects in the leadership of the church. But in this passage we see something very interesting. Paul calls the elders to be "God's Steward." This study helps us understand the important role an elder/pastor has for a local congregation.
The introduction of Paul's Epistle to Titus reveals some really interesting theological truths. The truths about how we are saved are all manifested in God's perfect timing. When things are not always going our way, we must be reminded that all things are happening in God's perfect timing.
The letter that Paul writes to Titus begins with Paul saying that he is a slave of Jesus Christ. This seems like a strange way to introduce yourself. Join us to see what Paul really means. People are all a slave to something; to sin or to God. And the rewards are vastly different!
My God is so big that He stretched the expanse of the universe and hung the stars, yet He still loves me. He loves me so much that He shared His name with me. He is the restorer of my soul, made me wise to His ways, He has given me a reason to rejoice, enlightened me and has shown me how much He loves me by making me HIS righteousness. We worship a Good Good God!
On Christmas Eve we are meeting to celebrate the Lord's Day. On this Sunday we discuss that God's love for us is not just a feeling, it is an action. Therefore, the love that we have for each other should be active! I am hoping this message finds you well, filled with the peace and joy of Christ Jesus, and having a Very Merry Christmas!
The third week of Advent tradition is to pray for Joy! This study examines Romans 15:13 and Paul's prayer for joy in the midst of understanding self-denial. Join us as we examine what joy really is and how we can receive this gift from God.
Millions across the world will begin celebrating Advent today. The first day of the Christmas season. As we all prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can be reminded that God also prepared for our salvation. We know from Ephesians 1 that Jesus Christ was the plan for being reconciled from before the foundation of the world. But where do we see God's plan for salvation revealed in scripture first? Join us today as we look at the Protoevangelium from Genesis 3:15, and see the Lord's plan come to life in the Scriptures.
In this final lesson on the Trinity, we will discuss how the Trinity plays an essential role in the redemptive process. If you believe in Jesus Christ as your redeemer, if you believe that you are saved, you believe in a Triune God. Each person of the Trinity having a specific role in the salvation of man, for the glory of God!
Last week we examined the Biblical evidence for the Trinity. We worship one God in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This lesson explores Trinitarian analogies, Trinitarian heresies, and why it is important to be Trinitarian. Join us as we dive into the essential doctrine of the Trinity!
The Trinity is one of Christianity's great mysteries. The word does not exist in the text, yet the text is clear that God is one, yet exists as three distinct persons. This lesson gives some history of the trinity and the Biblical support to help us all understand where we get this essential of the faith.
We wrap up the last study from 2 Timothy today. This letter has helped us to understand many things about the church. Especially the importance of maintaining sound doctrine. But Paul puts a bit of a personal touch on the end of his letter, as he calls Timothy to visit him and recounts friends and coworkers in the Gospel that he has encountered along the way.
Friends, our Lord has given us so much. So much grace, so much faith, so much mercy. He has put hope in our hearts. It is preaching season my friends. Share your hope with people. Do not sit back and let your ears be tickled. Read the Word of God, listen to sound doctrine, love people hard, reach the lost. Share the Gospel!
Its preaching season...
Paul is equipping Timothy for his role as an elder in Ephesus. This study reveals that through the adversity that life throws at us, stress, pain or persecution, we too can be equipped. Not just equipped to deal with life's struggles, but to actually do good works for the glory of God!
Women will become prey to false teachers, preachers and church leaders. This has been Satan's plan to lead us away from the Father since the fall. Men need to ensure we are loving and honoring God in a way that protects the hearts of our wives and daughters.
Apologies for the bad audio...
In this study, we learn that the tools that we use to reach the lost are the same as the fruits of the Spirit. By knowing the Word of God and reaching people through love, peace, patience and kindness, we pray that God is merciful and gives them repentance. This is a great study in how and why we should not just reach the lost but reach those who truly oppose our Lord.
As a church, we must be diligent in this. We must be good workmen, never ashamed of the Gospel. And always doing our best to rightly divide the Word of Truth!
Paul's encouragement to his young friend Timothy comes with the comparison of being a good soldier, an athlete and a hard-working farmer. In our study today we celebrate Jesus Christ risen from the dead. It is His saving grace that gives us assurance of salvation!
As we finish 2 Timothy 1, we get to see an amazing example of Biblical Friendship. A man who goes to Paul to refresh him while Paul is in chains. We learn 3 particular things about Biblical friendship from this lesson. It takes time, effort and possibly danger. As believers, we should all desire to be as loyal as Onesiphorus was to Paul.
We are called to maintain a standard. We are called to have sound doctrine. Jesus loves us and desires for us to abide in Him. But many will turn away from you as you share your hope with them, just like they did Paul. People may call you religious, judgmental, or legalistic. But, we are still called to maintain a standard.
This is an introspective question that we should all ask ourselves as we walk in Christ. While we examine Paul's message to Timothy we learn that through the power of God, there is no room to be ashamed of the Gospel. There are people in your circle that need Jesus, right now. And there is no better time to share the hope that resides within you.
As believers, we are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the saving grace of Christ Jesus. No matter the climate, in times of persecution and times of peace, we are called. Paul expresses to us in this passage that we have not been given a spirit of timidity. To the contrary, we have been given a spirit of, "Power and love and self-discipline!"
How is Godliness a great gain when accompanied by contentment? We can learn from the end of Paul's first letter to Timothy, that our pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness all grow out of contentment in God's saving grace. Fight the good fight!
What should be done with a pastor who has been accused of sin? Paul gives explicit orders to Timothy about dealing with elders. In an effort to honor God, the church must hold fast to Paul's orders. When we say that we love God's church, we ensure the pulpit remains God honoring, loving, Biblical and doctrinally sound. 1 Timothy 5 contains the charge from Paul to honor God through sound leadership.
Pastors play a very important role in the health and growth of the church. Does the Bible say that they should be paid? How do we respect and honor the office of elder? Paul's message to Timothy helps us to gain a clear understanding of what a pastor should be doing to lead a local congregation and how that congregation should honor him through love and finances.
Paul delivers some very important lessons for how the local church cares for its members in need. Ensuring that God's money is stewarded well, that families are taking responsibility for their own, that men are providing for their families, are all parts of understanding church benevolence. And when a member of our church can no longer care for themselves, it is up to us, the church, to care for them.
It is a great responsibility and a great honor for a pastor to see a church that is growing and love and in faith. Faithful expositing of the Word of God, loving, exhorting and teaching the flock are all essentials that go along with maintaining sound doctrine.
It is important to be able to recognize and discern apostasy in the church. Paul is very clear that ravenous wolves will come to tear the disciples away from the faith. It is essential that we write the Word of God on our hearts so that we are able to see clearly and protect our churches from those who wish to harm her.
Understanding the requirements for the family life and character of deacons helps the church to maintain order. Serving people is not easy business and should not be taken lightly. Although the role of deacons is truly an office in the church, all should strive for that good character and a heart to serve.
We should never be hypercritical of our overseers in the church. After all, they are sinful men, just like everyone else. However, We should be careful to place our hearts, the theological education in the scriptures and the safety of our families in the hands of a man who is unqualified to be an overseer. This study will help believers understand the qualifications of their overseers/elders/pastors/shepherds. While it also serves as a set of goals for those who aspire for the position, it is also a reminder to those in these roles of their standard.
This controversial issue is not really so controversial. What seems to be a problem in the contemporary church was also a problem in the church at Ephesus. As a church, we should strive to understand the scriptures and Honor God's establishment of the church for His glory. Women and men play different roles in the church, in an orderly way that glorifies our Creator. In this study, we look at Paul's letter to Timothy, as it pertains to women in the church.
Praying for everyone seems foreign to all believers. But Paul knows that the church cannot stand to simply pray for the people in the church who are already saved. The church is called to pray for everyone in the world. It is essential that we are offering our prayers, petitions and thanksgiving for all people, in a way that recognizes the truth of the Gospel message, while lifting up holy hands!
Paul is going to command Timothy to fight the good fight, keep the faith and good conscience. The church needs good, solid, Biblical leadership that is willing to fight for the Bride of Christ. We do not waiver on our doctrine and we do not give way to sinfulness. Sometimes fighting means leaning in to love and serve, while other times it means putting people out of the church. We fight the good fight through the strength given to us by Christ Jesus. Holding fast to the truth, sharing the hope of the gospel, so that others may know His saving grace.
Have you ever felt like you are not good enough, equipped enough or strong enough to share the Gospel? Have you ever felt as though you do not know enough scripture to share the hope that is in you? Well, rest assured, you are not worth it. You are not good enough and you never will be. This study allows us to see just how bad Paul was and how he saw himself as the worst of all sinners. Jesus's grace is more abundant than our sin and he demonstrates His patience through the work done in us. You are not good enough... BUT HE IS!
Paul in entrusting the leadership of the church at Ephesus to his dear friend Timothy. Beginning the Pastoral Epistles means embarking on a journey in doctrine, practical Christianity and church leadership. Today we dig in on the introduction to Paul's letter and how loving from a pure heart is intrinsically tied to our sound doctrine.
There are a lot of self-help videos, books, motivators and articles in the world today. Many of which try to teach believers that they can fix things under their own power. Some have a very unhealthy aspect that teaches people to put themselves before everyone in their lives, including their own family. Our moms need to know that focussing on Christ first is the best way to develop healthy relationships in the home. When our moms focus on Christ, they leave a strong legacy for their kids.
In this study, we look at the differences between the continuationist and cessationist views of the spiritual gifts. There are a number of Bible verses used to support both views, but one view definitely has a stronger argument. Closing the two part series on spiritual gifts, we need to be reminded that Paul wants us to have faith, hope and love. With the greatest being love. The biggest take-away from this study is that JESUS IS ENOUGH!
The Spiritual Gifts are highly debated in the contemporary church. Some believe the gifts ceased with the Apostolic age, others believe they are applicable today. This first part of our study will shed some light on the history of the Spiritual Gifts as they are applied in the Pentecostal or Charismatic church. We explore what the role of the Holy Spirit is in the life of a believer and why He was sent to us. The central message is that experientialism is not the focus of the church and that Jesus Christ is enough for us!
The church... What is it? How is it supposed to function? Why is it called the church? Who was it established by? This study takes a short glimpse at the vast amount of information we get from the Bible regarding the church. We have been called by Jesus Christ to be "the Church" for His glory. If you believe this, it changes everything about the way you see the church, participate in the church and love the church. Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and upon this rock Jesus builds the church.
Our Easter study today examines Jesus's question to Martha in John 11, Do you believe this? We serve an amazing God. Sometimes our belief, our understanding and our prayer is very short sighted. The resurrection is not just an event. Jesus Christ IS the resurrection and life! Do you believe this?
The last chapter of 2 Thessalonians reveals some important commands for the church. In order for the church to have order and honor God, people must be held accountable. The Body of Christ is always more healthy when all members strive to honor and serve each other well. As Paul closes the letter, he prays that believers never grow weary of doing good. More importantly, Paul prays for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is what we all need for a loving church body.
2 Thessalonians 2 is a tough part of scripture to completely understand. There are theologians who will argue whether this is a piece of history or a future series of events. But it is important to keep Paul's message clear and make sure we are staying on point with his intended message. Instead of worrying about the timing of Christ's return, we can focus on knowing we are His first fruits. He has chosen us to be saved and we are safe in Him. We should stand firm in our faith and traditions and be led to good works and words. All for His glory!
One of the things that we learn about, as Paul speaks of Jesus's second coming, is the justice of our God. This study helps us to understand just what it means that we worship a righteous and just God. He is a God that will reward us for our endurance in the faith, but also a God who will punish those who do not obey Him. This message gives us hope in our eternal security, should relieve us of the pressure of trying to get retribution and motivate us to share the Gospel with all who are lost. We worship a just God...
The introduction to 2 Thessalonians gives us great advice for our local church. Instead of focussing on how bad everything is getting, we can focus in growing in faith and in love. Not that some bad things do not need addressing. But, when we focus on our family growth, then our church growth, we learn to be thankful in all things.
What is the measure of a believer's faith? How do you know if you have enough? How do you know if your faith is strong enough? Today we will dig in on the definition of faith, Old Testament foundations of faith, and New Testament evidence of faith. We discuss where we get our faith and what it does for us. This is a message of encouragement and hope.
In the final section of Paul's first letter to Thessalonica, he discusses how the church should treat her leaders, how to deal with difficult or weak believers and how to conduct worship. Paul closes with his prayer for believers and his command to spread the Gospel message. 1 Thessalonians has been an amazing study. The last verse could not be more fitting. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
Christ coming back is not good news for everyone. We must recognize that the Lord will judge those who are not in Him, those who are not awake, those who are not walking in the light. Knowing this should be a call to action for the church. We should recognize that we are not just called to salvation, but that we are saved from God's wrath. If you do not have Christ's peace today, I encourage you to seek and surrender to Him. That He may fill your heart with His peace and that you would find hope in the salvation that is from Him and Him alone!
This study is intended to give an understanding of the Rapture. Paul is clear in his teaching about the resurrection of the dead, then the resurrection of the living. But we need to keep focus on what the intent of Paul's message is for believers. Today, we cover some of the differing views of the rapture, when it will happen and what happens next. The intent is to be true to Paul's final words in the chapter, "Therefore encourage one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18. There is hope an joy that can be gained from this highly debated topic.
Paul does not want believers to be uninformed about the coming of the Lord. In this 2-part study, we examine how the Lord will return to redeem the church. In an effort to remember to keep the main thing the main thing, we will focus on the hope that we have in Christ to return for those who are in Him.
Unity in the church... How do we achieve it? It is easy to say that we love each other, while our actions may not be evidence of it. The Bible is clear what a loving church looks like. Imagine how good a church could be, when all of the brothers and sisters work to outdo each other in love.
Who do we please? Do we strive to please man? Or do we strive to please God? In this study, Paul discusses sexual immorality in the church. It is obviously a problem in Greco-Roman culture, as it is a problem today. Why are we called to a life of holiness? This study discusses our identity. Our struggle with pleasing man vs. pleasing God is intrinsically tied to our identity in our Creator, God!
This is how we will perfect our faith, through prayer, love and the desire for our hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father. A study in 1 Thessalonians 3 that helps us to understand how to define faith and love in the context of the Word of God!
This passage shows Paul's love for believers and his desire to disciple them well. We can take many great examples from Paul's words on how we are to walk as Christians, together. Discipleship is an intentional act of caring for fellow believers. It includes listening, guiding, correcting, teaching, loving, praying with and praying for our friends. Join us as we discuss why Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to establish and exhort them in the faith.
When we believe that the Word of God has come to us in power and in the Holy Spirit. When we believe it is the truth, we begin to grow so firm in faith that no amount of persecution can ever break our joy. And no acts of deception can ever destroy our hope. And we will find that we will be boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming with those who we share the faith with.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-19
What was Paul's idea of ministry? 1 Thessalonians 2 is a fantastic lesson for any believer or church body. There are 9 specific attributes that Paul will address as he explains his own ministry to these believers. Doing ministry well is an appropriate response to our God as we, "walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
No church, on this side of heaven, is going to be perfect. But the report that Paul reviewed from Timothy is that the Thessalonian Church, that Paul has previously planted, is about as perfect as a church can be. As we go through the entire first chapter in one session, we learn the elements of a Perfect Church! Every modern church should read this chapter, listen to this message, and apply these principles. The principles of a perfect church.
Wrapping up Colossians, there is a lot to be learned about the circle of believers that Paul had around him. From each of his friends, we learn about grace, love, reconciliation, forgiveness, partnership and fellowship. We can see reliability in the letter to the Colossians based on the people that Paul names as well. This letter teaches believers so much about their faith walk and about the nature of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to not respond with obedience, thankfulness and a desire to have God open doors for us to reach the lost.
Green Beret Warrant Officer Tom Dillard shares Biblical truths about what we learn about suffering through our own experiences. After sharing his testimony, Tom teaches us 3 things we learn about suffering from the Bible. 1) Suffering is something everyone will face; 2) Suffering creates character; 3) Suffering teaches us to rely on God. These truths remind us that our God is not a God of suffering, He is the God of Hope!
Paul's prayer is never selfish. He is always praying for others or asking for prayer for his ministry. In this lesson we learn to pray for God to open doors for us so that we can share the mystery of Christ. Through Paul's prayers and instructions we find useful tools to reach unbelievers in a Godly and deliberate way.
God's design for the family is consistent throughout the Bible. But through Colossians 3, we see a comprehensive plan for a Biblical family. Our families best honor and glorify God when they are intentionally established and built on the principles developed throughout this chapter.
When we focus on heaven, when we look to our Creator, it becomes easier to realize the attributes that we should put on as believers. We are called to lives that look like the attributes that Christ exhibited during His ministry. These are attributes of the new creation that we are in Him. Everything we say and everything we do should come directly from an intimate, thankful, loving heart and in the name of our Lord Jesus.
When we fix our eyes on Heaven, we put to death the things of this earth. Paul's call for believers to walk, act, talk and live differently than the world is not just a call to follow rules. It is a call to freedom from our former lives. Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. He is your life, and His desire is to see you with Him in glory when He returns. When your heart is for the Lord, your eyes will be on heaven!
Finishing the second chapter of Colossians has us hearing Paul remind believers that we are not disqualified, by the false practices and philosophies of the world. Paul has expressed his struggle to keep believers on track. We need to be reminded who Jesus Christ is and what we are set aside for. We live not for ourselves any longer, we live and are alive in Christ Jesus.
This is good news! What an amazing study that shows us Christ's victory over sin and death. We have been buried in baptism and raised in faith! He is our victory! And in Him we find our joy and our hope!
When life gets really messy and just does not seem to be going our way, are we still thankful? It is very easy to be thankful during the easy times. We need to be reminded that God has us right where he wants us. He is developing us , deepening our roots, building us up and establishing our faith, for His glory! Let this message from Paul, in Colossians, be a reminder to be thankful for the work that Christ Jesus has done in your life.
As believers, as members of a family, as members of this church body, we should strive for maintaining a firm foundation of truth. We should rejoice in the good order and firmness of faith that we have in Christ. And our hearts should be encouraged, knit together in love, understanding God’s mystery in Jesus Christ. He is our hope. He is our Joy.
Paul's ministry for the Christian Church comes with persecution and afflictions that he bears because of Christ. Through his trials, he will toil in Christ's strength. He shows that church ministry has three very specific purposes that we can follow. Those are: Proclaiming Christ; Warning the church; and Teaching with wisdom. Join us as we finish Colossians 1 and discuss church ministry.
It is imperative that we know who God is. It is imperative that we call upon the right Jesus. Because of whom he is, he elicits a response of faithfulness and obedience. God did not just send a prophet or worker. You are not an afterthought. The Creator of heaven and earth loved you so much that He came for you Himself! Join us as we discuss who Jesus Christ is, as Paul reveals His nature in Colossians 1.
Paul's prayer for the Colossians develops the concepts of faith in the truth of the Gospel, love for one another as believers and the hope that is laid up for us in heaven. We bear good fruit and increase in the knowledge of God realizing that we are qualified, delivered, redeemed and forgiven. This is who we are in Christ Jesus. This is why we are always thankful to God the Father. And it is more evidence for our hope in Him!
On a number of occasions, Paul refers to believers as "saints." A simple translation into Greek would have you realize that Paul is calling believers "holy." But what does this mean? From the perspective of Paul, who was the Jew of Jews, what weight does this word carry? Join us as we explore the implications of being a saint. We will learn what it means to be a saint and what response it should elicit in your life!
This episode is the introduction to the expositional study of the letter from the Apostle Paul to Collosae. This rich theological letter will discuss the preeminence of Christ while challenging church heresy. This brilliantly inspired letter will strengthen us as it leads us to thanksgiving. It will challenge us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and bear good fruit as we increase in the knowledge of our God.
This study is that last study in Paul's letter to Philippi. Paul has taught us in a way that should reinvigorate your joy. This amazing letter about a faithful church that is sharing the truth of the Gospel. This church is careful about theology and careful about false teachers. They lived in a world that was against them, yet they thrived in love for one another. We have learned a lot from this church and Paul's letter of joy to them. Like Paul, we should be encouraging one another that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!
We find our joy in truth, honor, justice, purity, things that are lovely and commendable and excellence. We find joy in peace and praise of God and His saving grace. We find joy in learning from the Word of God and application of what we learn through fellowship and sacrificial service. We find God's peace is manifested in our joy, gentleness and prayer.
Realizing that, as believers, we are not of this world, changes the way that we interact with it. It changes the way we look at those we emulate. It changes the way that we address the church. Most importantly, it changes the perspective we have of our upcoming existence as citizens of Heaven. Our Creator did not just make a plan to heal you or make you better. Before the foundation of time, His plan was to make you brand new, perfect. Join us today as we discover the joy we find in leaving the old behind has we press on toward the upward call and live as citizens of Heaven!
Holding true to what we have attained, is pressing on toward the goal, from a secure place of knowing that you were called by the Father and safe in His justification. Forget what lies behind, press on, when the race is complete, you will be made perfect, you will be glorified! We find our joy in HIS resurrection!
Feel like you are not doing enough to be saved? Well, good news! You can't do enough anyway. Our lesson this week has Paul ridiculing the legalists and teaching that even though he was a perfect and righteous Jew, he counts it all as loss. We can set aside all of the fears, doubt, inadequacies and stumbling blocks that get in the way of realizing the power in the resurrection of Jesus Christ! He saved you! You belong to the King!
In this episode, my good friend and brother in Christ, Chad White walks through the truth of carrying the Word of God with you. It is a simple truth in word, but much harder in practice. Listen to the Biblical support that Chad presents that will change the way we all look at the Word of God and how it applies to our lives daily.
The last verses of Philippians 2 are fitting for this Father's Day. We get a glimpse into Paul's fatherly love for Timothy. We also get to see what partnership in the Gospel looks like from Paul's perspective. Paul shows us what it means to be a brother in the faith, a coworker and a fellow soldier. This is an encouraging message that develops our perspective of the church family, our willingness to work and eagerness to fight!
In Philippians 2, Paul tells the believers there to "work out your salvation." Knowing that Paul fully believes that salvation is not received based on our works, what does this mean? How do we do it? Today our study helps us to understand how believers truly work out their salvation with humility and joy. It is the Creator of the Universe, the Name above all Names who is exalted above all that works inside of believers. He works in you, you work out!
There is a verse in Philippians 2 that has been used since the first century to deny the nature of Jesus Christ. In this study we look at the hypostatic union, both the divine and human nature of Christ and what it means when Paul said that Jesus "emptied" himself. It is not only an amazing mystery that the God of all creation would lower himself to the poorest of humanity to show His love for us, it is also a perfect example of humility. This is where we find our joy. In humbling ourselves before others, in response to His humbling himself for us.
Being of one mind in the Body of Christ and counting others before ourselves. The foundation for Christian humility is how we love each other in the Church. When we love like this and the world sees us, they know that we are his. Join us as we begin the second chapter in Philippians as Paul begins to teach us about the ultimate expression of humility in our Savior Jesus.
Finishing Philippians 1 brings a strong message of hope from Paul. It is about accountability and encouraging one another in the truth. It is about finding joy in striving side by side with people who care about your soul. It is about fellowship with people who care about your kids and where they will spend eternity. We are to remind each other to not become discouraged, to not fear and to stand firm. We should spend time with those who will love us enough to remind us to not just become better versions of ourselves but become more and more like Jesus Christ. We encourage each other in this as Paul said in Corinthians to be imitators of him as he is of Christ.
The prosperity Gospel of the contemporary church has us all so blinded by the comforts and blessings of the modern world that our joy becomes like a loose sail flapping in the wind and no longer taking up the power of the Holy Spirit that drives us to labor for Christ.
Our joy is in this... That we get to partner with our Creator in praying for our friends and spreading the good news. That we get to raise up a generation of young believers who rely totally on His promises. That we get to spend our lives in service of the one who came to serve. And when our mission here is done, He brings us home.... Home to the Father. Home to Glory. Home to paradise. That is our joy.
This Mother's day, we are thankful and prayerful for our Moms... But society has unleashed an all out war against motherhood. There is no abortion debate. We stand on the side of protecting the helpless lives of those in the womb. No matter that public discourse, or the times we think we are losing to a Godless mob, we can be reminded that The King still has another move.
Paul was well aware of his prison situation in Rome. Yet he took advantage of his situation to minister to everyone who would listen, even his guards. Paul knew that no matter his position, he was there because of Christ and that The King still had another move.
Join us today, as we discuss Philippians 1:12-18 and how we can find joy in knowing that the King of all creation is not done working. In that truth, we shall rejoice!
Today we begin our journey into Paul's letter to the believers at Philippi. Based on our joy, being aware of God's grace and favor in our lives, are we thankful for other believers in our lives? Do we have confidence in our salvation based on that joy? Do we study the Word of God and reach others for the Gospel based on our joy? Are we filled with the fruit of righteousness? Paul's letter help us to understand what true joy is, in the partnership of the Gospel.
This introduction to Paul's letter to the Philippians will reveal some very interesting history about this city. But underneath that history we see that Paul may have revealed a theme for his letter. Paul's love for the believers in Philippi and his encouragement for them in the midst of their persecution shows us that Paul wanted them to know what real joy is. Joy, not happiness, joy, not health, wealth or prosperity, but real joy. Joy that grows out of God's favor and grace for us, His people.
Christian... what do you need to see to believe? What words do you need to hear? What miracle needs to happen? How can you be convinced that the Bible is true? What stumbling block needs to be removed for you to believe in Jesus so convincingly that it pours out of you into the people around you?
Join us as we follow John as he goes into the tomb to find the linen left behind by our Lord after His resurrection!
He Has Risen!
It is a common study to hear. Put on the "Whole armor of God." But, why? What does it mean? How do we do it? When?
Satan is real! Spiritual warfare is real! What is most important to remember is that God's love is incorruptible, immortal and indestructible. No matter how you feel, how bad life gets or how hard the enemy fights, His love wins. His love fights against evil with ferocious power. And still is able to comfort us when we are weak and do not have the words to pray. His love consoles in our losses and rejoices in our victories. For this reason, we can stand strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Does the Bible condone slavery? Why does the Bible not specifically speak against slavery? How has the Bible been used to condone slavery? Are passages like this applicable in any way today?
This study in Ephesians 6 has some very real implications to our world today. It is important that we always remember that we are not truly free unless we have been freed by Jesus Christ.
Should children really obey? What does that mean? How do we get them to do it? This is all a part of the order that resides in Godly families. Families that glorify God through their submission to Him and to one another. Obedient children are a part of an orderly family that is lead by a father who trains them well. Join us as we explore Ephesians 6 and look at the role children play in the family and the role parents play in nourishing their faith.
Your wife is not just married to you, she is a daughter of the King of Kings! Do you love her, respect her, care for her and treat her like she is a princess who belongs to our Lord? Men, this week we discuss Ephesians 5:25-33 and what it looks like to be a Godly husband. Join us as we dig into God's word and what it says about loving our wives as Christ loved the Church.
Matthew Henry's Commentary says this about Eve, who was made from Adam in the Garden, “Not made out of his head to rule over Him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."
This study is intended to give a Biblical foundation of what a wife looks like in the eyes of the Lord. Part of her role as a wife is submission to her husband. This easily misquoted and misunderstood verse needs careful context and consideration as husbands and wives work together to mutually honor God the Father.
Today is a short message as or church took the opportunity to celebrate its 1st birthday. We continued our message in Ephesians 5 as we look at what it is like to live in the face of God, Corum Deo! Join us as we explore Ephesians 5: 15-21 and discuss being wise, worshiping, serving believers who submit to one another our of reverence to our Savior!
This study from Ephesians 5:6-14 finishes with, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise form the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This call to be awake and to walk in the light comes with a lesson of knowing what is the truth, what is right and what is best for us as believers. To not be deceived, to not partner with those in the dark and to learn to be discerning. Join us this week as we learn a little about discerning what is best for our family and church so that we may expose what is in the dark and walk in the light!
As imitators of God we need to be aware of those who are trying to make us believe we can act, think or believe any way we want. We need to realize that our family and friends need leadership and love that requires us to be truthful. We look different from the world and the world will school us for it. The world will say that you are hateful and judgmental. It is my prayer that this message help you to remain steadfast in your faith and fervent in your desire to know your Savior.
When we walk in love and conduct ourselves as true believers and we imitate our Father, it pleases Him. It is a fragrant offering that His children trust His plan for salvation in such a way that we faithfully share the Gospel and live our lives like we truly understand the weight of His sacrifice for us. Join our study of Ephesians 5:1-2 as we discuss what it looks like to imitate God.
Christ, through the words of Paul, calls us to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving of one another. As we discuss the way that God wants us to walk as obedient, faithful believers, we see that our call is pretty easy when we consider the price that Christ paid for us. And when we contemplate that Christ was hated, beaten and killed for us, our call to be more like him gives us a whole new perspective... Join us today as we review Ephesians 4: 25-32.
Christ, through the words of Paul, calls us to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving of one another. As we discuss the way that God wants us to walk as obedient, faithful believers, we see that our call is pretty easy when we consider the price that Christ paid for us. And when we contemplate that Christ was hated, beaten and killed for us, our call to be more like him gives us a whole new perspective... Join us today as we review Ephesians 4: 25-32.
There is no amount of pain, hate, abuse, drugs, booze, sloth, sexual misconduct, crime, failure, or insecurity that cannot be replaced by the hope that resides only in the one who makes us new. Jesus Christ. You become a better husband, you become a better wife, you become a better friend, you become more reliant on His truth, you rely on His Word. He has made you new. Draw close to Him and let Him remind you daily of your value, in Him...
Paul is revealing the imperatives of Christian living. He is reminding Ephesus how believers should walk in faith. In these verses Paul discusses three things that separate us from unbelievers and how we are taught to walk in a different manner. Join us today as we discuss what it means to Stay on the Grind!
Pastor John MacArthur has asked the American Church to discuss Biblical marriage and sexuality on January 16th. We will also join together corporately to pray for the church in Canada on the heels of the passing of a new law, C4. This law has the potential of changing the way Christians in Canada can share God's design for marriage and sexuality and could land some believers in jail. This topic falls in line with our study in Ephesians 4. Join us as we discuss why the world does not look like the church and why God as a specific design for marriage and sex.
Continuing our study in Ephesians, we find that Paul wants the church to have unity. Jesus has established a means by which the Body has unity by providing positions to build up believers in the faith. Join us today as we discuss those church positions and how they work to build us together in to the body and help us to mature so that we are not lead astray.
Millions will have read the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from Luke 2 for a Christmas service. But there is so much more to that story! What happens next gives us a glimpse into why the Lord sent his Son to be born on that morning. Listen to this short message where we learn what this mysterious person, Simeon, has to say about Jesus when Mary and Joseph bring him to the temple at 40 days after his birth.
Bethlehem was, "Too little to be among the clans of Judah." It was an insignificant little town. But, Bethlehem has a very rich history of Royalty and plays an important role in the legitimacy of prophecy. Join us today as we look at Old Testament prophecy and how the King of Kings was born as part of the Father's perfect plan in this little town surrounded by shepherds.
Does the way we conduct ourselves as believers really have an effect on the world?
Join us today as we explore Paul's letter to the Ephesians and see how we are called to walk in faith.
Diving into Ephesians 4, we will begin on a path to see how we should "walk" as believers. In the first verse of the chapter we see that Paul is telling us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling. What does that mean? How do we walk? Join us as we move from the indicative nature of Ephesians 1-3 into the imperative nature of Ephesians 4-6.
This may change your perspective on what Thanksgiving in the United States really means. Paul's prayer for Ephesus has him down on his knees. Join us as we compare Paul's desire for Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit and what President Lincoln wrote in the 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation.
As we continue to study through Ephesians, it becomes clear that Paul has patterns for teaching. In this study a trinity of evangelism becomes clearly evident. To be humble, to be bold and to have endurance, is what Paul is teaching us. Please join us as we not only learn these truths, but pray God would develop these in our walk as we share the truth with others.
Sometimes it is interesting to see the things in the Bible that come in three's. In this study from Ephesians 3:4-7 we will find that Paul reveals the mystery of the Gospel in a trinity. As he sums up verse 7, we will find a trinity of ministry. Join our study today as we dig deep and see that after God calls you, he will use you where HE wants you and make you a minister of the Gospel message.
Diving into Ephesians 3 this week with a look at Paul as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Paul's perspective about his position from Roman captivity gives us some perspective on our place in the world today. You just need to ask yourself: What are you chained to?
What can we take away from the early Reformers like Martin Luther? How is the Protestant Reformation applicable to our lives today? Today we cover a short history of Martin Luther, some pre-Reformers and the impact it had on the church. Join us a we find out what it means to leave a legacy!
Now that Paul has taught us who we are in Christ Jesus, and we realize that we are no longer strangers, where do we belong? What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of God's household? How do we as saints, fellow believers, fit into the house of God?
A study from Ephesians 2:19-22
What is our response to knowing that Jesus is our peace? Do we respond to the reality of God's reconciliation of the church, or our souls, with the confidence of a believer who knows Christ's peace? What do we do during the storms of life? Are we faithfully content with knowing that the work was done for us on the cross? Or do we retreat into the world and our worry? Today we cover Ephesians 2:14-16 and see what, "Jesus is our peace," should mean to us!
A quick recap of Vs. 11 helps us to understand what we were made for. As we move through the next few verses, we gain a better understanding of our separation from God through our own sin. Most importantly, we learn how we are drawn closer to our God!
Ephesians 2 contains some of the deepest and most intimate theology in the Bible. Verses 8 and 9 explain God's Grace as we explore the 5 Solas. And verse 10 shows us that we are part of His workmanship as a perfect Creator.
A study from Ephesians 2:6-7. What does it mean to be alive and raised in Christ? What is the coming age? How do we respond to these truths? Join us as we dive into these amazing verses from Paul's letter to Ephesus.
We were dead in our sin, but God! I am a sinner not worthy of grace, but God! I can't do enough to be saved, but God!
When we realize just how depraved mankind is, it is hard to understand why our loving Creator would want to redeem us to Himself. The answer to the question lies in two simple words; But God!
A study from Ephesians 2:4-5
We need Jesus. Let this message be a strong reminder of where we once were, a bold declaration of where we are now in Him and motivation to reach the lost... A study of Ephesians 2: 1-3
When you feel like the enemy is winning, he is not. He is under God’s feet. When you feel like the government and your neighbors have all gone mad realize that it does not matter, He is in control. We must stop complaining about how bad things are and start sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ that proudly and loudly proclaims His mighty power!
Today we examine Ephesians 1:18-19. What did Paul mean in his prayer for the saints at Ephesus that he wanted God to enlighten the eyes of their hearts? God shows the greatness of His power towards those who believe. Opening the eyes of our hearts helps us to see and understand what this power is and how it applies to our lives...
Paul heard reports of the faith and love the the Ephesians had for God and for each other while he was in prison. What do people report about you? Does anyone know of your faith? When people talk about you, do they talk about your faith and love? Today we look into Ephesians 1:15-17 and examine what Paul said about the faith of the saints living there.
Today we explore Ephesians 1: 3-14. We are chosen before the foundation of creation in Him. What does this mean? How do we know we are secure in eternity? Why does His own work and our response work for His glory? How do we respond? A great message to discover our riches that exist only in His glory!
Ephesians 1 Verse 2. Paul's greeting to the people of Ephesus is full of rich theology. Explore the Grace and Peace that Paul brings on behalf of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. This greeting should truly help us gain perspective on our faith!
An exposition of Ephesians 1 Verse 1 that explores the office of an Apostle, how Paul is "from Jesus" and what it means for us, the Saints, to be "in Jesus." I also explore, in light of the recent San Francisco gay choir video, what our response should be, as believers who are in Christ.
Taking a deeper look at Galatians 6. Paul said he bore the marks of Jesus Christ. Do you bear the marks of Jesus? Is there evidence in your life that you are a believer?
As believers, can we have pride without being prideful? How does that pride look in relation to the idea of pride month? The Word of God has the answers.
What should we submit to? How is our submission to God made evident in our lives? A short podcast to answer a couple of common questions!
I believe that knowing and understanding our faith and our history is a very important part of our witness. Christ told us in Matthew 10:16 to be, "Wise as serpents and gentle as doves." We need to be able to respond to the world with historically factual evidence that allows us to minister into the darkness. Do not react with defensiveness, but with truth! This is never about winning an argument, it is always about sharing Christ!
Is your faith consistent? Do you recognize that the Lord has power over all aspects of your life, at all times? Most importantly, do you respond with a reverent faith in times of need along with times of peace?
Recent events in American history laid over our recent Bible study at church shines light on our responsibility as believers in an ever changing world.
Our current political climate and how we should respond in light of Romans 13.
A sermon from Deep Creek Baptist Church, Pinehurst, NC. January 31, 2021.
Sermon from Deep Creek Baptist Church, Pinehurst, NC. Abortion, pro-choice or pro-life, the church needs to hear this message.
Why does Jesus have to be the sacrifice for our sin? A revelation from the book of Malachi.
What is our responsibility as believers during this Christmas season? What are we to do in light of government shutdowns and unlawful orders? Wake up believer! This is our time!
Are you prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect? Are you able to honor God with this? Why should we study the Word of God?
This topic comes as a response to an old friend who picked up on mentioning that I was raised Catholic but no longer practice that faith.
This is the last part of a 3 part series and a revival at Deep Creek Baptist Church in Pinehurst, NC.
Day 2 of the Deep Creek Baptist Church Revival. What does Jesus have for us in our story between creation and the end?
How are we supposed to handle our meetings when there is a pandering? What does the Bible say about meeting with each other?
Are you being diligent when it comes to the type of worship music you are listening too? Do you know where it comes from?
A quick walk down Romans Road as a reminder to those who have heard this before or as a new tool for your evangelism.
Did the people laying palms before Christ entering Jerusalem have the right motives? Listen to get a new perspective.
In light of the current social distancing, can we still meet with one another as we are called to?
In light of recent events we can look to the Bible for evidence of quarantine and social distancing.
In light of the coronavirus scare and our earthly preparations, have we prepared ourselves to give an answer for our faith?
Taking a look at what the Apostle John meant for us when he said that God has given us, “Understanding.”
From March 2018. A look at the beginning of persecution in the early church. Will we be so bold that we suffer the same persecution?