Why We Cannot Stay Silent: Recent Episodes
Pastor Nick Pinneri
As Christians in these last days staying clean in a dirty world is no easy task. The Apostle Paul concludes 2 Corinthians Ch.6 with an exhortation and encouragement to the church to be separate, be holy, and not be bound to unbelievers. With the power of the Holy Spirit in us we can do all these things through Christ who gives us strength.
1 Corinthians 12:31 states, “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” Paul then embarks into what some would call the most important chapter in the New Testament. As the love of many grows cold, the Lord’s word for the church in these last days is to press in, burn brighter, and be fully saturated in the love of Christ.
Motivation can be defined as: “The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” As the Apostle Paul bears his heart to the Corinthian church he makes clear his motivations in the ministry. He kept the main thing the main thing and though those around him questioned him, doubted his motives, or tried to get him off track, he would not budge. He lived and breathed to glorify Jesus Christ.
One of the literary devices in the toolbox of the Apostle Paul was juxtaposition. Throughout the second letter to the Corinthians Paul beautifully utilizes this poetic device to communicate hope, glory, and the joys that are store for all Christians. Through the pain, struggles, and questions of life Paul wants us to understand it’s light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us all.
It’s an honor to serve the Lord. The Apostle Paul never forgot this. Mercy guided his ministry and mercy sustained it. He was devoted to sharing this mercy with others and calling everyone to to see the light of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians Ch.3 The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church they are a letter of Christ and Paul’s confirmation in the ministry. It’s a ministry that no one is adequate for, and a ministry only sustainable by the grace of God. Paul then shifts to the topic of glory as he points the Corinthians to the majesty of Christ, a glory that abides forever and is incomparable to that which came before.
Charlie Kirk was gunned down eleven days ago doing what he loved to do most—sharing the truth in love and pointing people to Christ. Charlie was known for saying that courage doesn’t take intellect or talent but a simple yes to the will of God. May the Christian church rise up and be courageous, living out God’s will. May we all be aware of the times we live in and speak boldly with love until Christ calls us home.
The darkness in our world feels tangible in recent days. Evil is called good and good is called evil. A strong delusion is upon many in our nation. In the midst of the deep pain, suffering, and confusion may we look to the Lamb and find comfort, peace, and hope in our time of need.
As the Apostle Paul bears his heart before the Corinthians he brings their attention to his character and reasons for being in the ministry. Other ministers were coming into the church with lofty resumes and spectacular credentials—Paul would have none of that. His competency was found in God alone. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit. He was sent and commissioned by Jesus himself. Paul leaves no doubt in his readers mind—his motivation, sustenance, and competency in the ministry came from God almighty.
In Ephesians 4:11-16 we’re given eight characteristics of the calling of God upon His people. God gives gifts to His church for His glory and the edification of His body. When we grow in grace, humble ourselves before the Lord, and are filled with the fullness of Christ the church thrives and the joy of the Lord permeates through the lives of God’s people.
The word “believe” appears around 100 times in the gospel of John. The Apostle John tells us his reason for writing his gospel letter, “..that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” Though the entire gospel letter points to salvation in Christ there’s one verse that perhaps sums up the message best. Many refer to it as the most popular verse in the Bible.
The Greek word “hikanos” translated as adequate can mean sufficient, worthy, or enough. The Lord made sure to remind the Apostle Paul regularly that he was not “hikanos”. He was not sufficient in and of himself. The fact is nobody is. The believers only sufficiency comes from Jesus Himself who said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” The paradox of the Christian life is that we are both not sufficient and we are sufficient. Paul points this out to his Corinthian readers while reminding them that no matter what we go through in life we always triumph through Christ Jesus our Lord.
If there was a theme that could sum up the ministry of the Apostle Paul perhaps it would be the saying “As sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” Paul knew deep suffering and he also knew the fullness of joy found in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians Ch.2 begins with the Apostle bearing his heart regarding his own sorrows and those experienced by the Corinthian church. He then turns his attention to an unnamed man, and closes with the ways to overcoming ignorance in regards to the works of darkness.
The Cambridge dictionary defines integrity as, “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.” As Paul and his ministry team receive judgements from the Corinthian church, he responds with arguments defending his integrity. The close of the first chapter of 2nd Corinthians paves the way for the rest of the letter. Patience, long suffering, and truth will guide the way as the Apostle attempts to win the hearts and minds of the Corinthians to the Lord.
The epistle of 2nd Corinthians begins with a man who is wearing his heart on his sleeve. He’s been through too much and he has nothing to hide. The sorrows of life have become so excessive, he has nowhere else to turn but to God. Some claimed that his sufferings, coupled with his mangled speech and unimpressive appearance, proved he wasn’t even an apostle. Paul turns it around and shows that these are the very characteristics that make him fit for the ministry. He would allow nothing to get in the way of him serving and glorifying his King.
As the letter of 1st Corinthians comes to an end were introduced to several faithful ministers of the gospel. These servants, like many others mentioned in the Scripture, are held in high regard for their dedication to the Lord. The Apostle then sends several greetings to the Corinthians and closes with a sober warning. With his ministry marked by an abundance of grace and truth, it’s fitting that the Apostle closes where he does—the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and a dire warning to those who don’t love Him.
Throughout the Old Testament God calls Israel’s attention back to the Exodus. Over seventy times God tells them to remember what happened there and who it was that set them free. The story of the Exodus foretells and depicts the gospel message where Christ our Passover Lamb triumphed over his enemies and proclaimed freedom to those who put their faith in Him.
As the Apostle Paul begins to give his closing remarks to the Corinthian church, he encourages them to set aside a collection on the first day of the week for the saints in Jerusalem. In the midst of all of Paul’s pursuits he never forgot the poor.
Paul then shares his intent to send his brother’s in Christ to minister to the Corinthians and closes his beginning section with five powerful commands to the church. If the Corinthians could obey this short list of commands their church would be radically transformed.
The Apostle Paul continues his arguments for the resurrection in 1 Corinthians Ch. 15 turning to earthly analogies and comparisons of Christ and Adam. He then shifts to a timeline of the end including the last trumpet and the manner in which the perishable will take on the imperishable, and the mortal immorality. The glorious event will finally and completely deal with death once and for all as it is written, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The victory is found in Christ who always leads us in triumph. All the service and work and labors and toils unto to Him are not done in vain—He sees it, He will reward it, and He is worthy of it all.
5:11 News Podcast host Chad Davidson discusses the dangers of replacement theology in the church today. This recording is from Session Three at The Last Days Discernment Conference, June 14th, 2025 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise Idaho.
Pastor Nick Pinneri from Blessed Hope Chapel Treasure Valley (Idaho) takes us through passages from the book of Philippians. This recording is from Session Two at The Last Days Discernment Conference, June 14th, 2025 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise Idaho.
Pastor Joe examines the present situation in the Middle East, focusing on the relationship between Iran and Israel, and explores how these events are interconnected with biblical prophecy. This recording is from Session One at The Last Days Discernment Conference, June 14th, 2025 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise Idaho.
A Father's Day message by guest Pastor Joe Schimmel from Blessed Hope Chapel Simi Valley
Throughout Scripture we see men and women of God who were clothed in God’s righteousness. In Zechariah Ch.3 Joshua the high priest was found in filthy garments being accused by Satan. The Lord responded “The Lord rebuke you Satan.” God came to the defense of his child Joshua and His chosen people Israel. God took Joshua’s filthy garments and placed on him a festal robe. In the New Covenant everyday believers through the cross of Christ and the Holy Spirit within us have the opportunity to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and always triumph through Him who loves us.
As the Apostle Paul continues on with his arguments for the resurrection, he poses two questions which has left many commentators bewildered. In part it’s no a surprise for even the Apostle Peter said some of Paul’s letters contain things that are “hard to understand.” Nevertheless, his firm foundation remained—Christ died for our sins, Christ was buried, and Christ rose again, and therefore because He rose we will rise with Him. This is the bedrock that motivated Paul’s heavenly fervor and caused him to give up everything for Jesus. His warning for the church is wake up, sober up, stop sinning and don’t be deceived. Press on in Jesus, it’s all worth it.
As the Apostle Paul was getting closer to the end of his life he poured out his heart to his young protege Timothy. In the epistles of 1st and 2nd Timothy the Apostle warns, implores, exhorts and encourages his young mentor to stay the course and keep his eyes on the prize. With many temptations and many adversaries in the ministry, Paul’s plea is to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life.
2 Chronicles 16:9 states, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” God looks down from heaven with favor upon those who tremble before Him. A survey of Scripture reveals that God gives grace, strength, and victory to those who fear Him and humbly obey His every word.
The book of Ruth takes place during a dark time in Israel’s history. There was no king and everyone was doing right in their own eyes. It’s from this backdrop of death and anarchy that God providentially weaves together a beautiful story of loyalty, faithfulness, and love.
As the Apostle Paul continues to flesh out his teaching on the resurrection, he gives a timeline that extends from the empty tomb to the end of days. For Paul, the fact of the resurrection has importance not only for our everyday lives, but also for our future when we will be raised with Him and be with Him always. It’s a comforting doctrine that causes the church to say, “Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”
As the Apostle Paul lays forth his case for the resurrection he gives his readers two options—truth or absurdity. He had given up too much, been through too much, and suffered too much to give the opposition an inch. Either his ministry is a sham and he’s promoting a lie or the resurrection is a fact and Christianity is true. There’s no middle ground, no third option; one must decide, it’s either truth or absurdity.
It was Justin Martyr who said, “But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Savior on the same day rose from the dead” (First Apology 67). The light that shined in the darkness of the first creation day was a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Christ. The light burst forth that dark tomb, and to this day overtakes the darkness of men’s hearts, bringing salvation to all those who look to Him.
The Apostle Paul had an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, and he was never the same again. The one who once gave everything for the Law and his Jewish traditions, ended up giving everything for His Lord and Savior. No task was too great, and no opposition was too strong to hold him back. His eyes were on the prize until the end, and his ministry labors could be summed up in one statement: For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
The Apostle Paul lays forth in 1 Corinthians Ch. 15 what one may call a logical firehose. One commentator put it this way: “It contains a connected, and labored, and unanswerable argument for the main truth of Christianity…and therefore is worthy of the deepest attention of all.” There was perhaps no man more passionate for the gospel than the Apostle Paul and it comes out in his teaching in 1 Corinthians Ch. 15.
One of the words used in the New Testament for worry is merimna. The word means to be divided in parts. An anxious mind is a divided mind, overly distracted by the things of this world. Anxiety can take on many forms and no one is immune to it. Yet with the power of the Holy Spirit in us and the guidance given to us in Scripture, we can say like the Apostle Paul “We overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”
The Greek word for grace “charis” is used 157 times in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter exhorts us to stand firm in it and to grow in it until Christ returns. As beautiful as grace is, the Scriptures inform us it can be abused. The book of Jude tells us ungodly men turn the grace of God into licentiousness. Yet, for those who believe in Christ, grace saves, sustains, keeps, and empowers one to do the will of God no matter what comes their way in life.
As the Apostle Paul brings to a close the longest section in the New Testament on spiritual gifts, he wants to make sure the Corinthian church thoroughly understands what proper edification, maturity, and order in the church looks like. In his closing remarks he shares this sobering warning: “But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” Paul’s teaching was from the Lord, and he wanted all who heard him to realize that fact.
Jesus said in Mark 8:36, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”
A life of majoring on the minors can lead to success in this world, but futility in the end. The Corinthian church was in many ways going down that path. They had so much backwards, but yet again, the Apostle Paul like a loving father with his children is ready and willing to walk them through what majoring on the majors looks like.
The Corinthians were enamored with spiritual gifts, specifically that of tongues. Their overemphasis led the Apostle Paul to write what some have said is the most important chapter in the New Testament. What we see in this chapter is that it’s nearly impossible to overemphasize the importance of the missing ingredient in the Corinthians lives.
The Apostle Paul closes out 1 Corinthians Ch.12 by detailing a proper understanding of the God given appointments in the Christian Church. One way to sum up the passage would be: zeal with contentment. Content as Christians where God has called us, yet zealous to be used more and more by Him.
There are 59 “one anothers” in the New Testament. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples..if you love one another.” Different backgrounds, different cultures, different gifts, different talents, different functions yet the church is called to oneness and unity in Christ. In 1 Corinthians Ch.12 the Apostle Paul likens the church to perhaps the most complex form of life on earth; and if we could but grasp it, it would revolutionize how we think about Christ’s glorious bride.
When talking about spiritual gifts it’s important to think of them in the context of The Greatest Gift. Jesus said in John 16:14, “He [the Holy Spirit]will glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you.” The gifts are given to glorify Christ—to build up His body the church, and to show the power and truth of Christ to the unbelieving world. The gifts are vitally important, yet Scripture tells us there is a more excellent way.
The Apostle Paul gives us six reminders regarding the worth and weightiness of the Lord’s Supper. What can sometimes turn into a monotonous ritual—with the right perspective—can be a transforming event helping us focus on our victory, forgiveness, and rest in Christ.
In 1 Corinthians Ch.11 the Apostle Paul embarks upon a new topic—head coverings. Many questions arise from the text lending one person online to do a six hour video on the topic. Which ever way our convictions take us, one thing is for certain—God is a God of order, and submission doesn’t begin with marriage or the church, it begins with God and his Son Jesus Christ.
We find in an Old Testament book a collection of sermons given during the last month of an old man’s life. In it we find his last words, his last statement to those who were in desperate need of the truth. They had been through a lot and needed encouragement and direction. If his message could be summed up in one word, one statement, it would be this: A Call To Remembrance. The preacher set before them life and death, and pleads with them to choose life that they might live.
The magi from the east traveled a great distance bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King of Kings. They were excited when they finally found Jesus, rejoicing exceedingly when the star they followed stood over the place where Jesus laid. Scholars surmise many things regarding the wise men, the star, the distance they traveled etc. But one thing is for certain. The King takes center stage, and the story is all about Him.
Several times in the New Testament the Apostle Paul calls the churches to imitate him. Most athletes look to someone to model their game after, and as Christians we do well to do the same. Ultimately, Christ is our aim and giving up everything in pursuit of Him is the most noble and worthy cause.
Idolatry was rampant in the Roman Empire in the 1st Century. Pagans that were turning to Christ were tempted to go back to the same practices that they engaged in before. Could feasting in the idol temple really jeopardize one’s faith? Isn’t it just a dumb idol? Feasting with old friends and offering a sacrifice to a wooden pole isn’t hurting anybody is it? Surely the Corinthians asked questions like these as they justified their erroneous actions. The Apostle Paul exhorts them to flee sin, seek edification, and glorify God in all things.
Some years ago a popular pastor told his congregation that Christians need to “unhitch” themselves from the Old Testament. His plea to his church and his listening audience was to put their focus mainly on Jesus and the New Testament because that Old Testament can’t really be trusted. Truth is satan loves to live in the realm of half-truths. Pointing people to Jesus, while telling them to avoid His words in the Old Testament, is actually turning people away from Christ. The Apostle Paul implores the Corinthian church to not be ignorant of the Old Testament. They must study it, know it, and learn from it so they don’t fall in the same way ancient Israel fell.
The Apostle Paul lets us peer into his heart as he gives several reasons why he’s foregoing his rights in the gospel. He voluntarily served the church in many ways, and yet he said he will receive his wages. What are those wages? He goes into details as he explains the paradoxes of his life. Winning for Paul was everything, and he shows us his seemingly unconventional way of attaining that goal.
In Revelation 5:5 Jesus is referred to as, …”the Lion from the tribe of Judah.” Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Jesus is both the lion and the lamb, humble and courageous, gentle and fearless. As Christians we do well to learn from Him and emulate Him. Balancing boldness and gentleness is no easy task. It requires much prayer and continual submission to the Holy Spirit. May the Lord grant His Church wisdom to be courageous and meek before Him in these last days.
The Apostle Paul continues on into 1st Corinthians Ch. 9 with the theme of Christian freedoms. The scene has the feel of a courtroom setting. Arguments ensue as the Apostle hammers the church with questions. They have withheld what was rightly owed to him, and their mouths have been stopped. What is the Apostle’s response? He gives an unforgettable answer that surely leaves most scratching their heads.
The Apostle Peter in his final letter shares several crucial reminders for Christians living in the last days. His warnings culminate at the end of his letter with the warning of the great and terrible day of the Lord. A day in which the heavens, the earth, and ungodly will all be destroyed. In light of all these things Peter asks the question, “What sort of people ought you to be?
The Apostle Paul dives into the topic of Christian liberties as he introduces the topic of food sacrificed to idols. The Corinthians had knowledge in this area, but because it was void of love they once again were puffed up with pride. Paul implores the church to go the extra mile and show concern and care for the weaker brother among them. The applications of the text are numerous, and found underneath them all is one word—love.
The Apostle Paul gives 10 reasons as to why he believes singleness is the better option for those who were a part of the Corinthian church. He makes it clear it’s not a command but a deep felt desire he had for them in light of the situation of their day. After sharing his heart, he closes out the chapter with the humble words, “And I think I too have the Spirit of God.”
Sandwiched between a chapter all about marriage the Apostle Paul directs the Corinthian’s attention to their true calling in life. Socioeconomic status, ethnic identities, relationship status etc. all pale in comparison to the true calling upon the life of a Christian—knowing God and keeping His commandments. Paul wants the church to major on the majors and minor on the minors. May God help His Church today to do the same.
The word distraction can be defined as, “A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.” In our pursuit of Christ it’s easy to get distracted in the day and age in which we live. With so many things vying for our attention, it can make it hard to get alone and spend time with God. The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages 1st century Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus; to look momentarily to the saints of old, but to spend a lifetime gazing at the greatest treasure Jesus Christ.
In Matthew Ch.22 an expert in the Mosaic Law comes to Jesus to test him asking, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Jesus responded to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” According to Jesus, loving God with every part of your being is the greatest commandment. One may ask, “What does that look like practically in my life?” Here’s how one commentary puts it, “..to be willing to give up the life to Him, and to devote it all to His service; to live to Him, and to be willing to die at His command.” In other words loving God with every part of your being means emulating Christ in every way, and taking up your cross daily to follow Him. The Apostle Paul echos the words of Christ as he refers to love as “the greatest” in 1 Corinthians 13:13. With so many great and important things in the Christian walk, may the church never forget that love is the greatest.
The Corinthian church had questions for the Apostle Paul. Differing opinions circulated in their day as to exactly what God’s will looked like in marriage. Was divorce okay in any circumstance? What about if you’re married to a non-believer, what do you do then? Will a believing spouse be polluted by their unbelieving partner and therefore need to divorce them? In 1 Corinthians 7:10-17 the Apostle addresses these questions and gives his insight as to why divorce should not be an option for a believer. God’s design and plan was marriage for life. Christians should do all they can to fight for unity and uphold the Scripture, “What God has joined together let no man separate.
The Psalmist states in Psalm 119:75, “I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” At times the Lord afflicts His people for their good and His glory. That which makes his people weak paradoxically is that which makes them strong. Gideon is a prime example of strength perfected through weakness. Taken from the weakest clan in Manasseh, and being least in his fathers house, to leading armies to victory and conquering kingdoms. God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
The Apostle Paul devoted one of the longest chapters in 1st Corinthians to advice on marriage and singleness. Throughout the chapter you see his heart show forth as he makes known his desire for all to be like him—undistracted and wholly devoted to the Lord. Yet, Paul knows he can’t make it a command in light of the God ordained and encouraged institution of marriage. The tension shows forth throughout chapter 7 to which Paul says to the possible naysayer that disagrees with his opinion,”…and I think I also have the Spirit of God.”
The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 6:19b,20, “You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” In the second half of 1 Corinthians Ch. 6 Paul addresses Christian freedoms, and focuses primarily on sexuality. The immorality of Corinth was so widespread that the Greek verb “korinthiazomai” was coined meaning “to act like a Corinthian in regards to immorality.” The Apostle gives six arguments as to why sexual immorality has no place in the Christians life; all of which can be summed up in the phrase, “You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.”
The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 6:19b,20, “You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” In the second half of 1 Corinthians Ch. 6 Paul addresses Christian freedoms, and focuses primarily on sexuality. The immorality of Corinth was so widespread that the Greek verb “korinthiazomai” was coined meaning “to act like a Corinthian in regards to immorality.” The Apostle gives six arguments as to why sexual immorality has no place in the Christians life; all of which can be summed up in the phrase, “You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.”
Blessed Hope Chapel Simi Valley Associate Pastor Steve Aguilar visits and expounds on scriptures in the book of Mark beginning with Mark 8:34-38
It’s once been once said, “Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” The Corinthian church surely manifested its pride in a number of different ways—jealousy, strife, divisions, sexual immorality etc. In 1 Corinthians Ch. 6 we see their pride yet again show forth in another way—lawsuits and court cases. The Corinthians were eager to sue one another rather than settle disputes in house. Paul pleads with them and offers them a sobering question, “Why not rather be wronged?” If they could understand that, perhaps everything else would fall into place.
The Apostle Paul closes out 1 Corinthians Ch.5 with guidelines of Christian relationships inside and outside of the church. At face value, it seems pretty simple but when we dig a little deeper and begin to apply it to our lives we realize the struggle of being in the world but not of the world; of becoming all things to all men yet perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord; of wanting everyone to be a part of the church yet removing the unrepentant from among us. Paul lays the foundation for walking the Biblical tightrope—the tension every believer feels as they live to please the Lord and be a witness to the dying world. May God give grace and wisdom to His Church.
As Jesus was leaving the temple towards the end of his earthly ministry he told His disciples in Matthew 24:2 “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” The temple which took 46 years to rebuild came tumbling down in 70AD just as Jesus had foretold. Under the New Covenant there is a new temple and this temple was being threatened during the ministry of the Apostle Paul. He was confronted with an immorality that was unheard of, an arrogance that was unmatched, and a discernment that appeared almost non-existent. Yet, nevertheless he kept his hand to the plow in his attempts to bring holiness and purity to the church of God.
Paul concludes 1 Corinthians Ch.4 by bearing his heart before the Corinthian church. If they could only understand his desire for them surely Paul would be satisfied. Paul informs them that his use of strong, sarcastic language isn’t to shame them but to admonish them. His heart is to remind them of their roots and he pleads with them to remember who they are, and who they are to follow. Paul then closes with a sobering question—“What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
In the book of Exodus God told Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.”This bread, called manna, was a picture of the true bread of life Jesus who was sent from heaven to feed the world. In John Ch.6 Jesus calls His audience’s attention to the only means of attaining eternal life—by eating his flesh and drinking His blood. This difficult teaching sifted the crowds down to the original twelve to which Jesus looked to and said, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Peter didn’t always respond appropriately, but this time he couldn’t have said it any better, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In life, the words of Jesus don’t always make perfect sense to us. Nevertheless, Peter’s words of wisdom ring true—Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
The Greek word for lowly “Tapeinos” can be defined as one not rising far from the ground. Helps Word-Studies defines lowly as, “being God-reliant rather than self-reliant – which ironically always exalts a person (brings them true worth, cf. 1 Pet 5:6).” In 1 Corinthians 4:6-13 the Apostle Paul uses vivid contrasts and depictions of his life to warn the Corinthians of their distorted views of him and the Christian life. Sarcasm, irony, and figures of speech show forth as the Apostle yet again does his best to bring the Corinthians down low where Christ and his apostles humbly serve.
Britannica.com defines logic as, “A proper or reasonable way of thinking about or understanding something.” In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 the Apostle Paul attempts to infuse proper logic into an improper church. The church was falsely examining Paul, scrutinizing his every move. Paul exhorts the church as to how they’re to properly view his apostleship, what their false examination means to him, and what examination truly counts in the Christian’s life. The patience of the Apostle Paul toward the Corinthian church is a virtue that all Christians should strive for.
1 Corinthians 3:18 states, “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise.” The path to true biblical wisdom starts with being willing to be a fool for Christ. The Corinthians were wise in their own eyes and the Apostle Paul warns them of the consequences of spiritual deception. The Lord catches the wise in their craftiness and knows the reasonings of the wise, that their ways are useless. The right kind of fool is the one willing to humble themself before Christ, being a fool in the world’s eyes but honored, commended, and wise in the Kingdom of God.
Psalm 62:1 states, “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” One commentary describes the mind of the person who waits on God as “…the whole mind lies before the Lord like the sea beneath the wind, ready to be moved by every breath of his mouth, but free from all inward and self-caused emotion, as also from all power to be moved by anything other than the divine will.” In the world we live in we need all the more to spend quiet time with the Lord, hearing Him speak through His word. The paradox is that in a culture championing baby murder and LGBTQ pride, the Christian cannot be silent but must speak up, stand up, and rescue those who are headed to the slaughter. Like Jesus, we wait in silence for God in prayer finding the strength and power to engage the culture with the truth and self-sacrificial love. Lord help us.
2 Corinthians 1:3 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” The Greek word for comfort means to come alongside and bring help, encouragement, and consolation. Our Father in heaven is near and pours out His lovingkindness on those who call upon Him. David knows this quite well as we see a man in Psalm 86 who wrestles with God in prayer, pleading for these truths to not be mere head knowledge but experiential knowledge. He waits upon the Lord trusting in the Father of mercies, the God of all comfort.
The Apostle Paul spent a year and a half ministering to the Corinthian church pouring his life into them laying a foundation for others to build upon. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 Paul lays out the blueprint for successful building, mediocre building, and destructive building. All Christians are builders in the kingdom of God. The question is what kind of builders are we. Paul shows forth that on the last day the works will be laid bare, people’s motives will be revealed, and the good will remain while the useless will be burned up like chaff.
In 2012 a polish women named Joanna Kryzstorek was in labor for 75 days before giving birth to baby girl Iga and boy Ignancy. In the article titled “Polish woman saves babies with 75 days in labor” found on Reuters.com Joanna stated, "I sighed with relief that there was a chance to keep the pregnancy and to give the babies a chance to be born successfully.”
What we learn from the this story is that love for others can motivate people to do amazing things. As Joanna labored out of love for her children so the Apostle Paul labored endlessly over his spiritual children. He was not content until they were fully matured in the Lord, and he was willing to labor with all his might until the Lord faithfully brought this about.
Throughout the Scriptures, God moves in miraculous ways showing His faithfulness to His children. Since He knows they’re prone to forget, He sets up memorial days as a reminder for them perpetually. From Moses to Aaron, to Joshua, to Jesus we see how God interweaves glorious typologies to show off His faithfulness and love; all the while He’s directing the focus to His beloved Son, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” The abundant, joy-filled life is found only in Christ. The three-fold enemy would have us believe joy is found somewhere else or in someone else. The fact is if we search for ultimate joy in anyone or anything else we will come up empty. David rightly says in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to meditate in His temple.” May we rejoice in our redeemer, the greatest treasure and wellspring of our souls.
Studies show Americans are drinking much less milk than they used to. One study showed that from 1975 to today Americans are drinking 47% less milk. With that, there seems to be a huge increase in meat eating with some 20 million Americans partaking in the Keto diet. In part it could be said, America is going from milk to meat.
In 1 Corinthians Ch.3 the Apostle Paul is trying to get the Corinthian church to move in the same direction. He rebuked them for still being on the milk when they should be on the meat. When comparing other passages of Scripture, it appears Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians is much severer than what appears on face value. Milk alone can only sustain the body for so long. In time, deficiencies abound, disease sets in, and death is imminent. It could be said, man cannot live on milk alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
In August of 2018 college professor Andrew Torget gave what some have called the worlds longest lecture. The lecture began at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning and went until 11:30 a.m. the following day clocking in at 26 hours and 33 minutes. He had 1,600 power point slides and 500 pages of notes. It was a 14 week course packed into one lecture. In Ancient Greece Target’s lecture might have been just another day at the Areopagus, the Grecian town-square. Acts 17:21 states, “All the Athenians and strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.” Persuasive speech, lectures, debate, and oratory dominated the ancient Grecian culture. Paul stepped foot into this culture with one goal in mind—I have determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. A message unleashed through the power of the Holy Spirit.
According to Oxford Dictionary the word argue means, “To give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one’s view.” In 1 Corinthians Ch.1 we see the Apostle Paul put on his arguing hat and he doesn’t take it off for sixteen chapters. He presents evidence after evidence and reason after reason in chapter one to persuade the Corinthians of what true wisdom really is. The Corinthians thought they were wise, but the Apostle showed them that the wisdom they’re pursuing has no value in the Kingdom of God.
There was a city in the first century Roman Empire that was so debauched, so immoral, and so perverse that one Bible commentator states of it, “It became the most frivolous, dissipated, corrupt, and ultimately the most effeminate and feeble portion of Greece.” Though the Apostle Paul spent a year and six months ministering to the church in this city, the church struggled to be different from the world all around it. In the letter of first Corinthians, we see the Apostle Paul patiently and lovingly walking alongside a carnal church, pleading with them, appealing to them, and hoping they’ll embrace the more excellent way—the way of love. Perhaps one of the most defining verses in the letter is found in first Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.” If they could only understand that love was the one cure that could bring healing and peace to all their sin and dysfunction.
In a sermon titled, “It’s Always Been In You” Steven Furtick shouted the blasphemous words, “I am God almighty!” Sadly, he never retracted those words but rather continues going on in the ministry as if nothing happened. Recently, he was in the news again when a member on his staff mentioned Elevation church would not be using words like “resurrection” “Calvary” or “blood of Jesus” in their Easter invitations because they didn’t want anyone to feel like an outsider. Many American churches have become nothing more than an entertaining social club seasoned with some religious jargon and some feel good verses. They have left the true gospel behind for that which is no gospel at all. May we pray that those churches repent and humbly turn to God and worship Him in spirit and truth.
For the Apostle Paul, Peter, and the disciples the resurrection of Christ is not something they believed, it’s something they knew to be true. Paul emphatically states in 1 Corinthians 15 that Jesus appeared to all of them and then Paul goes on to show the absurdity of doubting the resurrection. Paul’s bottom line is if there’s no resurrection, there’s no hope, no heaven, no forgiveness, no meaning and purpose to life. Once Paul establishes the absolute absurdity of that thought process he implores us all to be steadfast and immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing our toil is not in vain. Everything we go through in our humble obedience to Christ is worth it, He sees it and will reward it. So we should be encouraged because the resurrected Christ said lo I’m with you always even to the end of the age!
Matthew 20:18,19 states, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
Jesus told His disciples plainly and clearly that He would be mocked, flogged, and crucified but they were blind to it. Sadly, today many are blinded to the reality of the cross of Christ. The centrality of the message of the cross of Christ was so important to the Apostle Paul that he told the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 2:2 “I have determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The crucified Christ is at the center of the Gospel message, and is our only hope for salvation, reconciliation, and peace with God.
The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:19 that Jesus is the lamb without blemish or defect whose blood redeems us. It’s a direct reference to the unblemished Passover lamb mentioned in Exodus 12:5. The Israelites were not told to take any old lamb but one that was spotless, unblemished, as close to perfect as they could find. This of course pointed to the moral perfection of the Lamb to come; He was pure, innocent, blameless, holy and without sin. He’s the only one that qualifies to be the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world. Jesus is our Passover lamb.
According to an article titled,“Anxiety Statistics And Facts” on Forbes.com anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. and affect over 40 million adults, or 19.1% of the population. Some have referred to it as the “Anxiety Epidemic.” It’s been said that social media and smartphones are to blame for the uptick in anxiety. Truth is wherever the anxiety is coming from, God’s word has the answers. In Philippians Ch.4 we find the solution to the anxiety that comes knocking at our door. Diet, exercise, breathing techniques etc. can perhaps help but the true lasting effective answer is laid out for us in God’s holy word.
In the 1950’s an American Olympian named Paul Edward Anderson performed a back lift of trestles, supporting 6,270lbs, which has been said to be the greatest weight ever lifted by a human. What’s cool about Paul Edward Anderson is that not only was he the world's strongest man but he was also a Christian. In 1961, Anderson and his wife Glenda founded the Paul Anderson Youth Home, a home for troubled youth, in Vidalia, Georgia.
In the Scripture, when it refers to strength it’s not primarily talking about lifting huge weights like that of Paul Anderson but an inner spiritual fortitude, a resolve, a courage that can endure life’s toughest battles. As Christians those battles can take on many forms and come in many ways, and though the pain can feel like that of an unbearable weight the Christian who looks to God can sustain it. Though Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation” He also said,” “But be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” Through Christ’s victory, the Christian can say like the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
In the last chapter of the last letter of the last days of the Apostle Paul’s life he wrote a solemn charge to his dear friend and companion Timothy. The charge is summed up in three simple words—Preach The Word. So simple to understand, yet so difficult at times to carry out. In the midst of satanic opposition, bodily weakness, physical frailties, and personal inadequacies the Apostle Paul adds to the charge—In Season And Out Of Season. In other words, at all times,Timothy be prepared to preach the word and be a faithful minister of God. Preaching is a thrilling task but it must be accompanied with a humble heart, tender tears, a passion for the lost, and a desire to glorify Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless and strengthen His church in these last days, and give shepherds the same heart as the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ.
Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no man than this than to lay down his life for his friends.” Scripture also tells us that, “One will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” What peace it should bring us to know that Jesus—a friend of the lowly—died for us, intercedes for us, helps us in our weakness, knows our suffering, and shows compassion to those who need Him most. As the song goes, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
Some people believe this year's Super Bowl will draw more viewers than the Apollo 11 moon landing. Some 125-150 million people tuned in to hear Neil Armstrong say, “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Sadly, if this year’s halftime show is anything like those in the past, God will be mocked and sin will be flaunted. As Christians, it breaks our hearts when people rebel against their creator. God hates sin and is a perfect righteous judge, yet His heart and His will is to show off His grace, mercy, and lovingkindness. His will is for His children to walk in holiness. His will is that none would perish but that all would come to repentance. When we live out God’s will, we are like Christ to the world—a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.
Perhaps it’s a surprise for many Christians to know that Scripture commands us to fear. It’s not talked about much in some churches, but Scripture is clear we are to fear God. Solomon ends Ecclesiastes by stating, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” The book of Deuteronomy shows us the fear of the Lord leads to blessing, to praise, and is something to be learned. Children don’t naturally fear the Lord, they must be taught. David says in Psalm 34:11, “Come you children listen to me and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men..” The fact is we’re all going to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. The only way we can stand before Him on that day is by putting our faith and trust in Him and fearing the Lord above all else.
There are perhaps many ways to answer the question, “What is a Christian?” You could say, “A Christian is someone who follows Jesus,” or “It’s someone who puts their faith and trust in Christ.” These definitions are of course true, and with them comes the underlining heart condition of every follower of Christ—humility. Pride has no place in the Christian life and Jesus said plainly unless you humble yourself like a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Christians are converted with humble hearts and enter the kingdom with humble hearts realizing they are unworthy of it all. Another way to answer the question, What is a Christian?” is to say it’s someone who guards themselves from the damning and deceitful power of idols. Scripture has a lot to say about idolatry, and it’s incumbent upon all Christians to guard themselves from the alluring, deceitful power of riches, wealth, possessions or anything that could destroy their faith. Jesus was clear in Luke 12 vs 15 when He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” Colossians 3 vs 5 tell us greed is idolatry. Christians are always on guard, remembering the warning, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
In Roman’s 8:37 the Apostle Paul states, “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” A Greek word is used in this verse that is used in no other place in the New Testament—hypernikao. Two Greek words put together—hyper meaning beyond or overwhelmingly, nikao meaning victory or conquering. What’s puzzling about this verse is what comes before it. In the two previous verses, Paul lists things that seem to be the opposite—tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword, and death. How does a Christian overwhelmingly conquer when that is their lot? The answer goes back to a Roman cross and an empty tomb outside the city walls. Unpack that story and the term victorious suffering becomes all the more clear.
It was one year ago today we lost a dear brother, a friend, and a faithful servant of the Lord. The pain of his loss will always be with us and though our hearts are heavy we rejoice because he’s with Jesus, fully restored and rejoicing with an unspeakable joy. Throughout Scripture we see saints young and old who we can relate to because they endured much pain with a broken heart. Hannah was barren and heavy hearted for many years until God broke through and gave her Samuel. Job lost everything, yet in the end God restored his fortune and gave him twice as much as he had before. Paul and Silas were beat down, beat up, and crying out to God in the prison cell when God answered their prayers. Psalm 34:18 states, “God is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” What we see in God’s word is that those who are broken-hearted, beat down, and overburdened are in a prime position to be radically ministered to by God, and to be greatly used by Him for His glory. The truth is we all need hope, we all need joy, we all need Jesus. Weeping may stay for the night but joy comes in the morning. O death where is your sting, O grave where is your victory. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
This week, we are excited to share a special message from Pastor Joe Schimmel of Blessed Hope Chapel Simi Valley. Our congregation at Blessed Hope Chapel Treasure Valley was deeply moved by his Sunday morning sermon (12-31-2023) titled, “Counterfeit Prosperity Versus True Prosperity” To listen, go to our website at blessedhopechapeltreasurevalley.com and scroll down to “Listen To The Latest Message.” You may also download the mp3 by clicking the “Download” arrow. Also, You can also find previous messages from Pastor Nick Pinneri on Apple Podcast by going to the Apple Podcast app and typing in "Blessed Hope Chapel Treasure Valley.” PLEASE BE SURE TO RATE AND LEAVE A REVIEW IF POSSIBLE ON OUR APPLE PODCAST PAGE.
In the 1965 T.V. Special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Charlie Brown dramatically cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” His friend Linus steps forward, with his blankly in his hand, and says, “Sure, Charlie Brown I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” Linus goes on to quote Luke Ch2. Vs.8-14 and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” This world needs more Linus’; people who are willing to speak the truth in love. The truth is God became a man in the person of Christ; the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, and Prince of Peace. With all the things we enjoy about the Christmas season, none compares to knowing the Prince of Peace, the one who forgave us, loves us, and gives rest to our weary souls.
When Israel went out to battle with the Amalekites, Moses went up on a hill and lifted up his hands. When his hands were held high Israel prevailed, but when Moses let his hands down Amalek prevailed. Moses’ hands became heavy, but thankfully Aaron and Hur supported him, one on one side and one on the other. In the end Israel was victorious. We all need an Aaron and Hur in our lives. As Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossian church, we find the support and encouragement behind the man we know and love. Men who were beside him through thick and thin. These men were gifts of encouragement to the Apostle, and were the one’s who helped inspire the theological masterpiece we know as Colossians.
You don’t see too many people trying to hike Mount Everest in shorts and a t-shirt. They wouldn’t last very long. Most mountain climbers count the cost, prepare for the climb, wear special thermal gear, and prep for months in advance. As the Apostle Paul begins to close out his letter to the Colossian church, he encourages them to pray, to proclaim, to perform, and to prepare as they live in the world but are not of the world. Jesus said as lawlessness increases the love of many will grow cold. Christian’s need wisdom to keep their hearts on fire for the Lord, while trying to reach those in the cold, dark world all around. The answer is putting on the light of Christ, and the blizzard all around will not prevail.
Every year 15,000 self help books are published in the United States. People are starving for purpose, for meaning, for direction, and for fulfillment in life. God’s word fulfills those deepest longings in all of us. The letters to the churches in the New Testament are packed with practical guidelines and helpful insights for our everyday lives. The help we need is all found right there. Colossians Ch.3 is a prime example of the support we so desperately desire. It outlines the ways in which we can please God and bear much fruit for Him. It’s not a 500 page self help book; but rather clear, simple, direct commands and exhortations for our good and His glory. Whether serving at work, at home, at church, or in the world the Apostle Paul’s reminder is that it’s the Lord Christ whom you serve. He sees it, will reward it, and is pleased by it. So whatever you do, do your work heartily unto Him!
Taking responsibility has been an issue for humanity since the time of Adam and Eve. After Adam and Eve fell into sin, God confronted them. What was there response? “Lord, we have sinned greatly against you, please forgive us, we don’t deserve your grace and mercy.” Unfortunately, their response was much different. Eve blamed the serpent, Adam blamed Eve and here we are in the predicament we are today. Admitting our wrongs is very hard to do. Our flesh hates it, and the pride within us bucks against it. Proverbs 12:1 states, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Who likes to be corrected? Pretty much no one. But as Christians we know it’s for our good and God’s glory. In marriage God wants us to take responsibility. Colossians 3:18,19 “Wives, be subject to your husbands…Husbands, love your wives.” These commands when unpacked lead us back to creation, to the cross, to Christ, to the church where we see God is a God of order, a God of purpose, a God of design. His commands have rich meaning and point back to His glorious grace found in our Savior Jesus Christ.
Earlier this year a pair of shoes sold for $2.2 million. They were the very shoes Michael Jordan wore during the 1998 finals against the Utah Jazz. People are willing to spend a lot of money on clothing and shoes these days. In Colossians Ch.3 Paul gives us a list of the best clothing options, better than anything else—the attributes of Christ. When we put these on, we’re blessed, the people around us are blessed, and Christ is exalted. The good news for us is they’re free, bought and paid for by the blood of Christ. Paul gives us a list in vs12-17 that every Christian should strive for. Christ’s mind, Christ’s heart, Christ’s attributes should be our desire. Put these on, and the peace of Christ will rule in your heart.
The moment someone puts their faith in Christ they pass from death to life, from enslavement to freedom, from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of Christ. Justification is instantaneous while sanctification is a life long endeavor. Though we’ve been made new creations in Christ at the time of our new birth, we must learn how to live out these new lives in Christ. One commentator puts it this way, “Believers are like immigrants to a new country, not yet completely habituated to its way of life. They have accepted its citizenship in a new world and must learn to live in it.” We learn to live the new life by being guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. In Colossians 3:5-11 God reveals to us specific commands to live out as new creations in Christ—put off the old and put on the new. The Lord makes the categories clear for us, but applying it in our lives is a different story. Being enamored with Christ, being filled up in Him, and actively engaging in putting sin to death is a good start in conquering the old man and putting him aside everyday.
It was Alexander Maclaren that once said, “There is only one thing that will put the collar on the neck of the animal within us, and that is the power of the indwelling Christ.”
In Paul’s letter to the Colossian church he informs them that the commandments and teachings of men are of no value against fleshly indulgence. These teachings may appear wise, or religious, or even seem reverent but at the end they are useless in combating the flesh. It would be like a firefighter showing up to a raging house fire with a couple squirt guns. It just won’t do. The answer to winning the battle against the flesh is realizing you are not your own. You are Christ’s, bought and paid for by His blood. It’s only by His power, His strength, His grace that the flesh is conquered. So, Paul exhorts us to keep seeking Christ, keep setting our minds on Christ, because Christ is our life and it’s only through Him that the flesh will be defeated.
Scripture tells us that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. They’re like wolves in sheep’s clothing, demons masquerading as angels deceiving the masses and leading as many people astray as possible. In our day their main tool is the internet as they propagate deceit and watch their lies spread across the globe in a split second. Christians are called to hold fast to Christ, His Word, and His truth so that the lies are seen for what they truly are. As false teaching was infiltrating the church at Colossae similar to that of the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul exhorted these newer believers to not be phased, to not be robbed of their glorious prize, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s encouragement was straightforward and simple: holdfast to Christ and the confusion of the enemy will have no place in the believer’s life.
Psalm 83:4 states, “They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, That the name of Israel be remembered no more.” The same satanic spirit that inspired Pharaoh, Haman, Hitler, and many others to seek to destroy Israel is alive and well today. Many of the surrounding Muslim nations as well as the terrorist group Hamas would love nothing more than to annihilate Israel. Satan hates what God loves, and God loves Israel and has a plan for her. Though the majority of Jews reject Jesus as Messiah, God says one day all Israel will be saved. God hasn’t forgotten His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What was true in Joshua’s day is true today, and will be true in the future, “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass”(Joshua 21:45).
This weekend Hamas led a surprise attack against Israel killing many civilians and injuring over a thousand more. Israel has since responded with force, willing to do whatever is necessary to defend itself. It’s another war marked by death and destruction and another reminder that we are not home yet. Until the Prince of Peace comes, there will never be world peace. The cry of the church now as it has been since it’s beginning is, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Come Lord and do away with the abortion holocaust. Come Lord do away with human trafficking. Come Lord put an end to the wars and violence. The second coming is a doctrine that should bring comfort, encouragement, and joy to God’s people. But in the meantime, until He comes, may souls be saved and come to know Him before it’s too late.
The Apostle James wrote his letter to the twelve tribes scattered abroad with the intent of bringing some serious correction. James was addressing those who were overlooking the poor in the congregation, those who were fighting and quarreling, and those who were claiming to have faith while their works were non existent. Several other admonitions are found throughout the letter including this important exhortation: James 1:19, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Three important characteristics of a humble Christian are found in this verse: one who listens well, who is not hasty in words, and who restrains their anger by receiving the implanted Word of God. May the Lord help bring these three qualities about in the hearts and minds of His children.
Church historian Phillip Schaffer once stated, “So far as we are able to gather our sources, nothing except the Psalms and a few New Testament hymns was a rule sung in public worship before the 4th century.” The Psalms took center stage during worship in the early church and down through the centuries. Today, Christians are missing out if they are not saturating their minds by meditating, memorizing, and singing the Psalms. Even Jesus, prior to His betrayal and crucifixion, was singing with His disciples in the upper room. Many believe they were singing none other than the Psalms, chapters 113-118. Psalms of praise, Psalms of affliction, Psalms of deliverance, and Psalms of worship. How fitting it was for Jesus to be meditating on these Psalms in preparation for the cup that He was soon to drink from.
Satan oppresses, schemes, harasses, and accuses the people of God. He wants Christians dwelling on past failures and doubting whether they’re truly forgiven in Christ. He’ll use any means necessary to lead Christians astray. Paul tells the Colossians in Ch.2vs10 that they have been made complete in Christ. They lack nothing in Him. No secret knowledge, no philosophy, no new teaching or revelation is necessary. When they believed in Christ they were made complete in Him. Paul goes on to remind them of their testimony in Christ—their death, burial and resurrection in Him, and the great victory Christ had on the cross over Satan and his cohorts. True freedom, true forgiveness, and true wholeness found in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Oh death where is your victory, oh death where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Is there any greater news?
The sports sector generates $620 billion in revenue globally each year. Billions of people tune in for the Tour de France, the World Cup, and the Olympics. There is a fascination with sports; and it seems competition and competitiveness are engrained in human nature. The modern fascination with sports however is nothing new. In biblical times chariot races, boxing, wrestling, javelin throws, etc. could all be witnessed at the Olympic Games or the Isthmian Games near Corinth. It’s believed that the Apostle Paul himself may have attended one of these events. Preaching the gospel and enjoying the thrill of athletics seems like something that might attract him. When Paul wrote to the Colossian church, he likens his struggle for them to that of an intense athletic contest. He suffered much for them so that they would know Christ—His love, His strength, and the great wealth that comes from knowing Him. If Paul could get them to fully understand this, nothing could lead them astray.
In Paul’s letter to the Colossian church after building a rich theology of who Christ is, he transitions to speaking directly to the believers at Colossae. He reminds them of who they were before coming to Christ, who they are now in Christ, and what will be evident in their lives if they are truly reconciled to Him. Paul uses the key word “if” to show us a condition must be met if we are to receive the blessings and promises that are found in Christ. We were alienated yet reconciled by the blood of Christ, and He is faithful to complete the work He began in us.
From Genesis to Revelation on every page of scripture is found an imprint of the faithfulness of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-23 states,”Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” The Lord keeps His promises, His steadfast love endures forever, and He hears the cries of His people. He’s good to those who wait upon Him, and He’s preparing His people for an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. The trials of this life are light momentary afflictions compared to what’s in store for God’s children. May we never forget, the Lord is faithful.
With the ups and downs of ministry, the burden of seeing lost people reject the faith, and the constant barrage of trials accompanied by following Christ the Apostle Paul exclaims in 2 Corinthians 2:16, “Who is adequate for these things?” The overwhelming weight of serving Jesus faithfully kept Paul on his knees where He received the power needed to keep moving forward in the ministry. When we faithfully follow Christ and take risks for Him we will surely echo the words at one time or another, “Who is adequate for these things?”
The longest recorded fight with gloves was between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke at New Orleans, Louisiana on April 6,1893. It lasted 110 rounds, 7 hr 19 min and was declared a no contest. Sometimes as Christians our fight against the flesh can feel similar. Constant battles can leave the Christian feeling weary, but Christ is always the answer. Knowing Him, loving Him, and being obedient to Him will lead to a deep seeded joy that no one can take away.
Some people are so competitive they’ll do almost anything to get first place. Olympians pour their entire lives into pursuing a gold medal, yet many come up short. In Scripture we’re told Jesus has first place in everything. He never failed, never stumbled, never sinned and passed every test that came His way. In Colossians 1:16-20 Paul gives eight distinctive qualities of Christ who is supreme over all and has first place in everything.
Within three days of it’s uncensored release on Twitter, “What is a Woman?” was viewed more than 170 million times. Throughout the documentary people from all walks of life from psychiatrists to civilians struggled to answer the simple question, “What is a woman?” There’s much confusion in our day, as the enemy is alive and well in spreading his lies. The Church is the pillar and support of truth, and Christians are people who love the truth, herald the truth, and live out the truth in a lost and dying world. And yet, there’s one defining mark that defines all Christians—humility. Jesus said without it one can’t be saved and He modeled it for us perfectly until His dying breath. Humility is the defining mark of every true Christian.
The word preeminent can be defined as surpassing all others, having paramount rank, dignity, or importance. Synonyms for preeminent include: sovereign, supreme, highest, greatest, and foremost. The Apostle Paul destroys the false teachings pervading the Colossian church by unwrapping the glory and beauty found in the preeminent Christ. Jesus, in Colossians 1:13-15 is presented as the Son and beloved king, the redeemer, the image of the invisible God, and the firstborn of all creation. When properly understood these characteristics of Christ destroy the heresies and false teachings that are leading many astray in our day. Christ is supreme, He’s sovereign, He’s eternal, He’s king, He’s Son, and He’s Lord and must be worshiped as such.
Gnosticism pervaded the early Christian church. Gnostics claimed a special wisdom and knowledge that superseded that of the Christians. The early church father Irenaeus said of the Gnostics, “They say they are not only wiser than the elders but also the apostles.” (A.H. III:2:2). Paul wastes no time refuting their heresies by hammering out the truths of who Christ is, what He’s accomplished, and what the blessings of the saints are in Him. Seventy times in four short chapters Paul brings attention to Jesus Christ. Philosophical speculations, traditions of men, and Gnostic heresies don’t stand a chance when they’re confronted with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:4 states,”…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Satan is doing all he can to keep unbelievers from coming to Christ, but his work doesn’t stop there. He tempts Christians, distracts them, and uses any means possible to draw their minds astray from pure devotion to Christ. Through renewing our minds, guarding our minds, and setting our minds on Christ we can win the battle for the mind and drive out the enemy and his constant lies.
Jesus told his disciples in the gospel of John that they knew the Holy Spirit though the world could not accept Him. On the day of Pentecost, they were filled mightily with the Holy Spirit and brought in a harvest of three thousand souls. These new believers were filled with the Holy Spirit as life, blessing, and peace marked the early church. However, taking a look at the Corinthian church, the Holy Spirit initially moved in a mighty way as well yet we see division, quarreling, and debauchery. Two churches built upon Christ as the Holy Spirit moved, yet one was thriving and blessed and the other was at a standstill and collapsing from within. Quenching, resisting, and grieving the Holy Spirit has consequences; but knowing Him, submitting to Him, and being filled with Him glorifies Christ and leads to much blessing. The early church in Acts is a model for all believers to follow.
Fatherlessness is a plague that is crushing our nation. Many fathers have checked out, and the reverberating consequences are catastrophic. 63% of teen suicides, 71% of high school dropouts, 85% of youths in prison, and 90% of homeless and runaway children come from fatherless homes. Fatherlessness is a huge problem. Fatherless hearts void of the Heavenly Father is a greater problem. Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is eternal life that they might know You the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”The world needs to know the love of the Heavenly Father. They need to know in His great love He sent His Son—the only hope, the only Savior, the only remedy for sin and it’s ravaging consequences in this life and the life to come.
If anyone knew what it was like to fall it was Peter. He was self-confident, testifying to Jesus that he was ready to go to prison and to die with Him. It was but shortly after that when Peter denied even knowing the Lord. Jesus forgave Peter, restored Peter, and commissioned him to be a pillar of the early church. Peter gave us two New Testament letters and closes them out with the strong admonition to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This, Peter shows us, is one of the keys to not falling from our secure position in Christ.
The church in Corinth was a mess. They were divided, sin was running rampant, and the very apostle who led them to the Lord they were now treating with contempt. The Apostle Paul continued to minister to them in love but told them he was afraid for them. He was terrified of the condition they were in, and concerned that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness their minds were being led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. Paul hammered home the Gospel, and it’s the same pure Gospel we need to cling to every day to guard our hearts and minds in Christ.
On September 29, 2006 Navy Seal Michael Monsoor was on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq with several other Navy Seals when an enemy grenade hit him in the chest and fell to the deck. Monsoor, the only one on the rooftop near an exit, chose to throw himself on the grenade and take the blast to protect his fellow soldiers. He died thirty minutes later and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for courageously giving his life so others might live. Selfless acts of honor like this point to the ultimate honor of Jesus giving His life so that all might live. It’s the greatest act of selflessness our world will ever know, our Jesus paid the highest price.
Sometimes in life, the bad news can seem to cloud out the good news. The pain of hearing the passing of a friend can cause us to forget the joys they are experiencing in the presence of God. God gives us many reasons in Scripture why we can look forward to the joys of heaven. The new glorious body, the great rewards, and being with Jesus are some motivations Scripture gives us to look forward to the joys and pleasures of heaven.
God gives all his children thorns in the flesh to keep us humble and dependent on Him. Sometimes He takes them away and other times, like in the life of the Apostle Paul He allows them to remain. Hanna had two thorns. God closed her womb, and Elkanah’s other wife provoked her relentlessly to the point of tears. Yet, Hanna persistently sought the Lord and made her requests known to Him. The result was the boy Samuel who grew up to be a mighty man of God who followed in the footsteps of his faithful mother.
King David rose to the top of all of Israel. Everything in his life was going well. He had favor with God, the people loved him, and everything he did seemed to prosper. What could possibly go wrong? 1 Corinthians 10:12 states, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” David let his guard down, decided to stay home from the battle he should have been at, and the rest is history. Psalm 51 is the record of a broken man who came to his senses, cried out for mercy, and returned to the God he loved.
Some Psalms begin with a question, others begin with a statement, and some begin with a plea and petition to God for help. In Psalm 16 David begins with a plea to the only one who can save him, protect him, and guard him from the enemies of life. David quickly moves from pleading to praising as He meditates on God and His goodness. He prophesies of the resurrection of Christ and looks forward to being in the presence of God where true, lasting, eternal joys and pleasures are found in the presence of the Almighty.
In the Psalms, we find great men of God who had real struggles with doubt, despair, and broken-heartedness yet they found answers in the presence of God. A prime example is Asaph in Psalm 73. A man who admits he almost fell when disillusioned by the success of the wicked, yet he returns to the sanctuary of God where God gives him the much-needed answers he’s looking for.
In a day and age when people are making Jesus to be whoever they want Him to be, the Bible gives us a vivid description of who the glorified Jesus is. He’s the King of kings and Lord of lords, with eyes like a flame of fire, and a voice like the sound of many waters, He rules over the kings of the earth, and He’s coming back again to pour out His wrath on His enemies and bring relief and comfort to his saints. The glorified Jesus is one who should cause us to fall on our faces in worship, praise, and adoration. If the demons believe and shudder, how much more should we.
1 Corinthians 15:17 states, “…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” According to Scripture if there was no resurrection then there’s no Christianity and our faith is worthless. The Apostle Paul showed the absurdity of saying Jesus did not rise from the dead.Jesus appeared to the Apostles, He appeared to His brothers, appeared to more than five-hundred witnesses, and appeared to Paul after conquering death. These early Christians turned the world upside down with this message—Jesus rose again and we are His witnesses.
It was Cicero who once said, “It is a crime to put a Roman citizen in chains, it is an enormity to flog one, sheer murder to slay one: what, then, shall I say of crucifixion? It is impossible to find the word for such an abomination.” It was through this horrific means (the crucifixion of the Son of God) that God used to bring forgiveness for sins to the world. Like a beautiful diamond being turned and admired from its different angles, so it is with the beauty of the cross when looked upon and studied through the lens of Scripture.
After the last supper with the disciples Jesus made His way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Scripture tells us He was in agony to the point of death. Jesus did what we all should do when tested—He prayed. He cried out to His Father with these crucial four words: Your will be done. Jesus lived for the will of the Father and modeled for us what should be the foundation of every prayer we pray—Your will be done.
It’s one of the most popular verses in the Bible. It’s seen on billboards, held up at football games, and sums up the Christian message in one verse. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” Eye-opening typology throughout the Old Testament sheds light on the verse and its context and reveals the amazing agape love God has for His Son and the undeserving world.
In a world where we are bombarded on a daily basis with temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil we are in desperate need of self-control. Scripture testifies that God’s divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to subdue the flesh, have victory in our lives, and bear fruit that is pleasing to Him. The more we yield to Him, walk in Him, and live by Him the more fruit we bear and the more victory we have in our lives.
Studies show that people complain as much as fifteen to thirty times a day. As Christians God calls us to do all things without grumbling or complaining. Tests come our way every day in different forms, the question is will we choose to worship God and give thanks or succumb to grumbling and complaining. Two Old Testament examples (Job and the Israelites) show us how to and how not to respond to the tests life brings our way.
The Greek word for faithfulness (pistis) used in Galatians 5:22 is translated 238 times in the New Testament as “faith”. When we as Christians are walking in the Spirit and crucifying the fleshy desires that come our way, our faith in the Lord will grow stronger and stronger. Two main fleshly desires that rage against believers souls that must be squashed if we want to bear the fruit of faithfulness are worry and greed. Matthew Ch.6 and 1 Timothy Ch.6 point us in the direction we need to go to conquer these sinful desires and grow in our faith in Christ.
In Galatians Ch.5 the Apostle Paul lays out two lists—the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The goal of the Christian should be to bear much fruit for the Lord, and this only happens when we walk by the Spirit and crucify the flesh. Bearing the fruit of goodness shows forth in our lives when we pursue purity instead of immorality, peace instead of division, sober-mindedness instead of drunkenness, and God’s preeminence instead of idolatry.
The Christian life in Scripture is described as a race, a fight, an athletic contest, a wrestling match all of which require endurance, stamina, self-control, determination, and strength. When trials come our way, they bring weakness along with them. The question is what do we do with that weakness? If we cling to the Lord, in Him we’ll find strength in weakness (Hebrews 11:34) and the Lord will get us through whatever life brings our way.
David was a man after God's own heart. Scripture testifies he was a skillful musician, a valiant mighty man, a warrior, skillful in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD was with him. Yet, after becoming King of Israel he drifted from the Lord and had a massive fall. Though he deserved death, God showed him mercy. Psalm 103 gives a beautiful account of the great mercy of God, written by a man who knew the mercy of God better than anyone.
As we begin the new year it’s a time to reassess and prioritize the things in life that matter most. The book of Nehemiah gives us an example of a man of God who made it his ambition to fear the Lord above all else. His life is a testament to what God can do through us when we cry out to Him, tremble before Him, and give Him the honor He deserves.
In Luke Ch.2 a king is introduced who is mentioned nowhere else in the Bible. History tells us he was extremely wealthy, powerful, and received many titles even titles of deity. Though he was seen as a deified savior, like all men he died and left his riches behind. Luke tells us who the true Savior of the world is. The one whom we’re told in Scripture has unfathomable riches. The one who reigns forever and whose Kingdom has no end. Though He was born in a manger, He’s ruling and reigning and is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is greater.
The Greek word used for kindness in Galatians 5:22 is used 10 times in the New Testament, exclusively in Paul’s letters. Paul stresses the kindness of God toward us in Christ should not be abused but should grip us, captivate us, and motivate us to live godly lives. God’s abundant lovingkindness gripped the Old Testament saints, the early Christian church, and if we know it as we should will lead us to be full of kindness to one another.
If it weren’t for the patience of God, the world as we know it would be consumed in an instant. Peter testifies that God is not willing that any would perish, but that all would come to repentance. God delays from pouring out His wrath to give people time to turn to Him and live. As Christians were called to live patient lives, just as God is a patient, merciful God.
In John 15 Jesus instructs His disciples the ways in which He brings about more fruit in their lives: pruning from the Father and abiding in Him. In order to have true, deep, lasting peace in this world we must remain in Christ and yield to the Holy Spirit. Superficial peace is all around us, but the charge for us from Scripture is to surrender our lives to the God of peace and allow Him to fill us with His Spirit.
The second fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 is joy. God’s word testifies that He wants us to be full of joy. The question is how do we live out this joy and what can choke it out in our lives. Lessons from a recent shooting, the lives of the Pharisees, and an Old Testament King give us wisdom as to how we can live out God’s will for our lives in this area.
The Bible has a lot to say about giving thanks. The phrase “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever” is found throughout the Psalms and the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we’re reminded to give thanks in all circumstances even during tough times. It’s not always easy but In light of who God is and all He has done for us in Christ, how could we not give him thanks.
The word love has taken on so many different meanings in our culture today. God has shown us in the person of His Son the self-sacrificial, self-denying love that he commands us to emulate. Journeying through Galatians 5 and John 15 gives us insight into how to bear the fruit of love.
God’s word testifies that believers are strangers and exiles on the earth. Jesus proclaimed that His followers are not of this world. Lessons from Hebrews 11:8-16 show how the saints of old grew strong in faith though all odds were stacked against them. They confessed this world was not their home.
One of the most repeated commands in the Bible and spoken of more than a hundred times in Scripture, God tells His children “Do Not Fear.” Insights from 1 John 4 and Romans 8 give believers the answers and tools they need to grow in their love for God and conquer all fear in their lives.
To truly “see” Jesus means to see that He is precious, valuable, and worthy of all our praise. As we journey through the Gospel of John and 1 Peter, we glean from those who treasured Christ and longed to see Him more clearly.
Today we travel through passages in 1st and 2nd Timothy and take a look at the importance of standing firm in our faith. Paul implores Timothy as to why it’s imperative to, fight the good fight and continue in our faith, as we encounter the temptations and trials that seek to hinder the church from living a holy life for God.
Do you long for holiness in your life? In today’s teaching, Pastor Nick Pinneri encourages us through the word of God, the importance of holiness, and why God wants us to live holy lives.
This Sunday morning, Pastor Nick Pinneri gives a message on “Why We Pray” and why we should pray like the early church.
This Sunday morning, Pastor Nick Pinneri gives a message on “Why We Cannot Stay Silent”