First Presbyterian Church (Dothan AL) Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Caleb Galloway preaches on Matthew 16:13-18 "The Prevailing Church" September 29 , 2024.
Pastor Rusty Milton preaches on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Future Grace Motivates Generosity.
Pastor Caleb Galloway's sermon from July 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church Dothan, Alabama. Psalm 25 - Seeking God's Guidance.
Pastor Rusty Milton
2 Corinthians 5:11-15 ESV
"Controlled by the Love of Christ"
Your life should not be controlled by your feelings but Christ's feelings for you. Your feelings come and go; his feelings are steady and unchanging. His love for us should be our motivation for why and how we do everything we do. The Christian can be motivated by two different things: Appearances through good works to gain God's pleasure. Or, the love of Christ. But it is the love of Christ that must control your heart. Paul tells us two things to explain why. First, it is the love of Christ for us that compels us (vs. 9). The Love of Jesus restrains us from acting for ourselves, which causes our desires and affections to be led by Jesus' love for us. Secondly, Jesus died for us (vs. 14): one died for all and therefore all have died. Jesus has died in the place of all believers, and therefore, the required deaths of all believers have been satisfied.
How should we apply this? We ought to be mindful that we are guided and led by a living person. Make choices out of love for him. Be mindful of the reasons for your choices. Is it the appearance of godliness? Or is it the love of Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:11-15The Ministry of Reconciliation11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Pastor Rusty Milton
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 ESV
"The Judgment Seat of Christ"
Because of what Jesus has done for us, let our aim be to please Jesus for all eternity. All believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and must live to please Jesus in order to receive the fruit of our labor.
When we read about Christ judging the world, it can often be difficult to reconcile it with the grace we have received. Four insights can help us understand this: The aim of our lives is to please Jesus (vs. 9). The right to judge the world has been given to Jesus by the Father (vs. 10). During the judgment of the world, everyone will be given what they are entitled to (vs. 10). Being clothed in Christ, our judgment will be tempered by the righteousness of Christ; yet, we are admonished to do good works as a way of loving Jesus.
How do we apply this to our lives? We should be responsible in all we do, living out our faith by generating good works.
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
English Standard Version
Our Heavenly Dwelling
5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on[a] we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Place Where Greatness Is Found"
Luke 7:19-35 ESV
What does it mean that the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist? Jesus is not saying anything negative about John; he's saying that the things of the world don't compare to the things of God in value and greatness. In other words: worldly greatness is too small a goal for the child of God. There are two things to see in Luke 7 regarding this: who Jesus is, and who John the Baptist is. Regarding the former, Jesus demonstrates that he is the Messiah--the world's hope and salvation. He then explains that John is the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. As the Church demonstrates to the world the love, greatness, cleansing, and salvation of Christ through our lives, we take on similar but "greater" roles than John.
Luke 7:18-35
English Standard Version
Messengers from John the Baptist
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers[a] are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus[b] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c] having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,
“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”
Pastor Caleb Galloway
Psalm 1 ESV
"To Ways to Live"
We are finite and cannot know what's in store for the future. When seeking the right path forward, it can be difficult to know with certainty what choices we should make. Our spirit longs for the way of God, but our flesh is easily tempted by the world. So, how can we know whether we are on the path of righteousness or the way of wickedness? The way of righteousness is made clear by its consistency with scripture and the testimony of the Spirit of God. When we are in doubt, therefore, we ought to pause, explore God's word, and allow the Spirit to speak through it to give us direction.
Book One
The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
1 Blessed is the man[a]
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Word Became Flesh"
John 1:14-18 ESV
Before John tells us about Jesus taking on flesh, he gives us a preface about who he was before that: the eternal Word of God. There are two things to understand from this passage: the Word was eternally with God as God (v. 1), distinct from the Father, not created but pre-existent; and the Word then took on flesh, which was necessary to make the Father known to mankind.
How do we apply this? Remind yourself that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, and that to do this, we must fully know the triune God. This is accomplished as we move into a relationship with Jesus, who makes the fullness of God known to us.
John 1:14-18
English Standard Version
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Behold the Lamb"
John 1:29 ESV
God will provide a sacrifice for us as he did for Abraham and Isaac. Many FFS try to cover up our sins through good works or self deprecation. But we can’t atone for our sins. This is what John the Baptist says in John 1:29. Jesus is God‘s sacrificial land to take away the sense of the world. When you feel guilty and unclean, therefore, and something tells you that you need to be perfect or punish yourself, rest in Jesus and his toning sacrifice.
Behold, the Lamb of God
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Pastor Rusty Milton
John 14:25-27 ESV
"Peace I Leave With You"
Any gift that Jesus gives you--his grace, salvation, peace, his word, etc--the Enemy will relentlessly attack. And he wants you to seek it in the wrong place and to discredit the power of God in your life. Satan loves to steal our peace. One way is to turn you toward the sin of your past, reminding you of how you do not deserve God's grace and deserve condemnation. Another way to tempt us is to look to physical or worldly means of peace, though these things cannot satisfy our inner needs. We must realize that Jesus has given us an inheritance of his peace.
There are two reasons why Christianity can sometimes seem to give us little or meaningless peace. One way is that we fail to realize what Christ has done for us. If this is us, it belies a lack of emphasis on grace in our lives. But in Christ, we need to realize we are free from condemnation and are promised an inheritance of eternal life. Another way is that we fail to realize what God has given to us. We must recognize, however, that the inheritance we are given from God is different than what the world gives. He gives us something that nothing and no one can give us in the world--his peace, which our soul craves more than anything.
How do we apply this to our lives? First, realize where you direct the cravings and desires of your heart. Once identified, recognize that those things cannot and will not meet your needs. They will only distract us. Turn, rather, to the only true source of peace: Christ.
John 14:25–27English Standard Version25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"God's Work of Grace and Purpose In Our Affliction"
2 Corinthians 1:3-8 ESV
One of the greatest harms to the modern church is that when you come to Christ, he promises to give you health and wealth and keep you from affliction and hardship. Many teach that problems are a result of lack of faith. The truth is that we will experience these things for righteousness' sake, and that he will use it for our good and God's glory. Therefore, when you are afflicted, seek true comfort in God the Father. He gives us two promises in our affliction: he will give us sustaining grace (vs. 3), and there is purpose in our affliction (vv. 4-6). He will give us this blessing through the Word, the love of Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3-8
English Standard Version
God of All Comfort
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.[a] 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers,[b] of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"A Call to Serve"
John 13 ESV
A vertical knowing of Christ leads to a horizontal display of God's grace. Through faith in Christ, we go from unclean to clean, from enemies to adopted children, from led by the flesh to led by the Spirit. As we experience Christ's love and grace toward us, these internal changes empower us to become vessels for that love and grace toward others (vv. 1-17). Whether we are ministering to those we like, or those we feel an aversion to, Christ's power is sufficient to move into and change their lives.
John 13English Standard VersionJesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,[a] but is completely clean. And you[b] are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,[d] ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
One of You Will Betray Me
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,[e] 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus[f] of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning bac
Pastor Rusty Milton
Leviticus 19:1-2; 9-17 ESV
"Love Your Neighbor As Yourself"
You cannot love God without doing justice and loving mercy. If you want to know how to live a holy life, then love your neighbor as yourself; have compassion on the poor; help the homeless, widows, orphans, sojourners, and the poor. To not care for the needy is to hide God's holiness to the world. The principal way God shows his glory to the world is through the charity and love of the Christian. Unfortunately, too often our focus is entirely on ourselves. How can we intentionally move toward loving our neighbor as ourselves? Focusing more on helping others than on our own gain; giving expecting nothing in return; and sharing the Gospel by way of showing others God's love.
Leviticus 19English Standard VersionThe Lord Is Holy
19 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. 4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.
5 “When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted. 6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it or on the day after, and anything left over until the third day shall be burned up with fire. 7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is tainted; it will not be accepted, 8 and everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned what is holy to the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from his people.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. 12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life[a] of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
You Shall Keep My Statutes
19 “You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind. You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor shall you wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material.
20 “If a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave, assigned to another man and not yet ransomed or given her freedom, a distinction shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free; 21 but he shall bring his compensation to the Lord, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, a ram for a guilt offering. 22 And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering before the Lord for his sin that he has committed, and he
Why is the church hesitant to address the doctrine of election? Whether it's in personal evangelism or from the pulpit, we tend to shy away from the doctrine of predestination. But in John 10 Jesus doesn’t shy away from it. In today’s sermon, Pastor Joye will show us the beauty and the duty of the doctrines of grace. He will show us how this doctrine is actually a wonderful doctrine and not one that we should shy away from. Given the right perspective, it is a glorious doctrine that reveals the love God has for his people and is a great motivator for us to pursue a relationship with Him.
The sermon today comes from Hebrews chapter 4. We are reminded that we can come boldly to throne of Christ, not because are worthy in and of ourselves. To attempt to approach God on our merit would be futile. We can come boldly because, in Christ, we have a Great High Priest who is our advocate before the Father. Jesus presented himself as the perfect sacrifice for us. Christ also sympathizes with our weaknesses and shoes infinite mercy and grace to those who have faith in him. Because of Him we can come boldly to the throne.
Pastor Rusty MIlton
"The Darkest Days"
Judges 19 ESV
There is a battle in every relationship that's affected by sin. When there is no forgiveness, darkness within relationships ensues. But forgiveness penetrates the darkness, freeing the heart to know and worship God. In Judges 19, a Levite and his wife separate due to conflict within their relationship. When they are reunited, there are opportunities to forgive (vv. 1-3). The Levite's buried resentment, however, becomes evident when he gives his concubine to a mob to save himself (vv. 21-27). Despite his initial outward reconciliation to her, inwardly, he was unwilling to let go of his bitterness. Forgiveness is more than sweet, external words. It's to both pardon someone's guilt and give up the right to seek vengeance.
Where are you on the road to forgiving others? Are you doing what is right in your own eyes, or following Jesus by forgiving others?
Judges 19
English Standard Version
A Levite and His Concubine
19 In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 2 And his concubine was unfaithful to[a] him, and she went away from him to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months. 3 Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back. He had with him his servant and a couple of donkeys. And she brought him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him, he came with joy to meet him. 4 And his father-in-law, the girl's father, made him stay, and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there. 5 And on the fourth day they arose early in the morning, and he prepared to go, but the girl's father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and after that you may go.” 6 So the two of them sat and ate and drank together. And the girl's father said to the man, “Be pleased to spend the night, and let your heart be merry.” 7 And when the man rose up to go, his father-in-law pressed him, till he spent the night there again. 8 And on the fifth day he arose early in the morning to depart. And the girl's father said, “Strengthen your heart and wait until the day declines.” So they ate, both of them. 9 And when the man and his concubine and his servant rose up to depart, his father-in-law, the girl's father, said to him, “Behold, now the day has waned toward evening. Please, spend the night. Behold, the day draws to its close. Lodge here and let your heart be merry, and tomorrow you shall arise early in the morning for your journey, and go home.”
10 But the man would not spend the night. He rose up and departed and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem). He had with him a couple of saddled donkeys, and his concubine was with him. 11 When they were near Jebus, the day was nearly over, and the servant said to his master, “Come now, let us turn aside to this city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.” 12 And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel, but we will pass on to Gibeah.” 13 And he said to his young man, “Come and let us draw near to one of these places and spend the night at Gibeah or at Ramah.” 14 So they passed on and went their way. And the sun went down on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, 15 and they turned aside there, to go in and spend the night at Gibeah. And he went in and sat down in the open square of the city, for no one took them into his house to spend the night.
16 And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah
Pastor Caleb Galloway
Psalm 103 ESV
"Moving Out of the Fog"
Who is God? What is he like? What are his motives? What does he think of you? The answers to these questions are crucial for us to understand if we are to truly be in relationship with God. But Satan's strategy is for you to forget God, or what God wants. He plants seeds of doubt. We must, therefore, remember and rehearse God's character, which dissipates the dark clouds of spiritual sluggishness. When you are spiritually overwhelmed, remember God's benefits to you (vv. 1-5); remember God's character (vv. 6-14); and remember that life and our sorrows are short (vv. 15-18). To keep these truths our focus, we must memorize, meditate upon, and pray God's word.
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Of David.
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;[a]
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Pastor Rusty Milton
Judges 16
Samson went from being a church of Israel, filled with power, it’s being light and powerless. We, too, are blind, enslaved, and powerless without the power of God.
Throughout Judges 16, we see Samson slowly ensnared, manipulated, and finally defeated by the Philistines’ plan to use Delilah to take away his power. He eventually gives in to the deception, and breaks his Nazarite vow, leading him to depart from the anointing of the Spirit.
We too, can walk out of the will of God, by engaging in habitual sin, and toying with and righteousness. We can’t lose the spirit, but we can be cut off from his power. If you find yourself in this position, swear to Christ, pray for grace and strength, immerse yourself in the word of God. It’s the spirit of Christ and us that empowers and changes us.
Judges 16
English Standard Version
Samson and Delilah
16 Samson went to Gaza, and there he saw a prostitute, and he went in to her. 2 The Gazites were told, “Samson has come here.” And they surrounded the place and set an ambush for him all night at the gate of the city. They kept quiet all night, saying, “Let us wait till the light of the morning; then we will kill him.” 3 But Samson lay till midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and the two posts, and pulled them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that is in front of Hebron.
4 After this he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5 And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Seduce him, and see where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to humble him. And we will each give you 1,100 pieces of silver.” 6 So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me where your great strength lies, and how you might be bound, that one could subdue you.”
7 Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” 8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she bound him with them. 9 Now she had men lying in ambush in an inner chamber. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the bowstrings, as a thread of flax snaps when it touches the fire. So the secret of his strength was not known.
10 Then Delilah said to Samson, “Behold, you have mocked me and told me lies. Please tell me how you might be bound.” 11 And he said to her, “If they bind me with new ropes that have not been used, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” 12 So Delilah took new ropes and bound him with them and said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And the men lying in ambush were in an inner chamber. But he snapped the ropes off his arms like a thread.
13 Then Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me how you might be bound.” And he said to her, “If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.”14 So while he slept, Delilah took the seven locks of his head and wove them into the web.[a] And she made them tight with the pin and said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he awoke from his sleep and pulled away the pin, the loom, and the web.
15 And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and you have not told me where your great strength lies.” 16 And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death. 17 And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upo
Today, Pastor Caleb is preaching from Judges 15 about the story of Samson. This story reminds us that while we are tempted to take the easy route, life is actually very hard. Jesus promised us this much, but we must be willing to stand firm.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Judges 14 ESV
"Samson: Part 2"
One of the most difficult things for believers is to have faith in God, when everything seems to be falling apart around us. Often, the stories of God's people seem messy, and we aren’t sure what’s going on. But God's means of accomplishing things are sometimes difficult to understand; he is always working behind the scenes. If we find ourselves filled with confusion and despair because of our circumstances, we must be patient. Faith waits patiently for God‘s plan to unfold while trusting his power not to fail.
We see this in Judges 14: 1-3. There, we read how Samson seeks to marry a Philistine woman and asks his parents to arrange the marriage. Naturally, they are dismayed that he is not seeking to take an Israelite wife. As the drama unfolds, however, we see that while Samson’s purposes may have been fleshly, God worked through them to bring about judgment on the Philistines.
We need to remember this in our everyday lives. We may not be aware of what God is doing, but we can be sure that he is working. In the same way that Samson’s deliverance for Israel foreshadowed God’s deliverance of us through Christ, we can be sure that all of our circumstances, however bleak, are being used by God to bring about our sanctification and glorification.
Judges 14
English Standard Version
Samson's Marriage
14 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.” 3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.
5 Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. 7 Then he went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson's eyes.
8 After some days he returned to take her. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. 9 He scraped it out into his hands and went on, eating as he went. And he came to his father and mother and gave some to them, and they ate. But he did not tell them that he had scraped the honey from the carcass of the lion.
10 His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for so the young men used to do. 11 As soon as the people saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12 And Samson said to them, “Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes, 13 but if you cannot tell me what it is, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes.” And they said to him, “Put your riddle, that we may hear it.” 14 And he said to them,
“Out of the eater came something to eat.
Out of the strong came something sweet.”
And in three days they could not solve the riddle.
15 On the fourth[a] day they said to Samson's wife, “Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you invit
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Samson"
Judges 13 ESV
Often we have callings, that we may feel in the dark about how God wants us to accomplish these things. The character, power, and revelation of God are what we must look to in the midst of the unknown.
In Judges 13, Manoah experienced this kind of uncertainty after an angel announced the birth of his son, Samson. It was foretold that Samson will lead Israel out from under the yoke of the Philistines. In verses one through four, the mission of deliverance is announced, even though the people are no longer crying out to God because they have forgotten him in their idolatry. In verses eight through seven, Manoah prays in response. He hopes for greater clarity, though God simply reiterates the same revelation given before. There are three reasons God gives Manoah to trust: the word of grace, the power of God, and the character of God. When we are seeking a new direction, God will use the word he has already given us for reassurance; he will point to his power; his past promise-keeping past; and remind us that he is trustworthy.
Judges 13English Standard VersionThe Birth of Samson
13 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.
2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. 3 And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5 for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” 6 Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, 7 but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”
8 Then Manoah prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.” 9 And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field. But Manoah her husband was not with her. 10 So the woman ran quickly and told her husband, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has appeared to me.” 11 And Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?” And he said, “I am.” 12 And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?” 13 And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. 14 She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe.”
15 Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “Please let us detain you and prepare a young goat for you.” 16 And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “If you detain me, I will not eat of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, then offer it to the Lord.” (For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the Lord.) 17 And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” 18 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” 19 So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it on the rock to the Lord, to the one who works[<
Pastor Rusty Milton
Luke 12:35-48 ESV
Jesus is coming, and we are to be ready.
In Luke 12, Jesus prepares the disciples to be ready for life without him. To help them understand how they should ready themselves, he tells a story of two groups of servants. One group of servants were awake and ready, longing for the master's return. The other kind of servant desires power and abuses others out of a heart motivated by self-centeredness. When the master returns, he will bless the faithful servants. The unfaithful servants, on the other hand, will receive judgment for the evil they've done.
How should we apply this? Flee from living a life of cheap grace, licentiousness, and vainglorious pursuits. Don't neglect the spiritual disciplines. Be ready for Jesus' return: grow in grace by exercising the spiritual disciplines through worship, prayer, reading the scriptures, and fellowship. Love and follow Christ, and rest in his finished work.
Luke 12:35-48 ESV“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Judges 12:1-7 ESV
“Angry Ephraim”
You must not let anger overshadow the wonderful works of God's salvation. If we allow anger to go unchecked in our hearts, it will foster the desire for self-glory and dull our understanding of grace. We see this in Judges 12:1-7, when Ephraim confronts Jephthah for what they perceived to be their exclusion from his campaign against the nation's oppressors. But, by their allegations, one can surmise that their true frustration lay with the loss of glory they believed they suffered by not going into battle. Jepthah defends himself by simply laying out the truth: Ephraim was called to join the troops, but chose to ignore the muster to arms. Ephraim's response is sophomoric and filled with insults.
How should we apply this to our lives? Brothers and sisters in Christ should never engage in slander and denigration. Yet, the righteous will face unbiblical accusations; there are always seasons of insults and accusations. Our response? Indignation--righteous anger--is appropriate, but never self-centered anger. Indignation leads to a focus on grace and healing, not vainglorious attacks.
Judges 12
English Standard Version
Jephthah's Conflict with Ephraim
12 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” 2 And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. 3 And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” 4 Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” 5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” 6 they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.
7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.
Dr. Richard Pratt
"Christ's Mission in our Changing World"
Matthew 6:7-13
In the Lord's prayer, he's not just teaching us how to pray, but teaching us what's important to him. He reminds us that the one who holds all of creation together cares for you. He teaches us that he desires God's kingdom to be manifested on earth as it already is in heaven, so that his dwelling place may be with mankind. And, he reminds us that God's kingdom will come, despite our earthly circumstances, and that he is aware of our daily needs.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as bthe Gentiles do, for cthey think that they will be heard dfor their many words. 8 Do not be like them, efor your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 fPray then like this: g“Our Father in heaven, hhallowed be iyour name.1 10 jYour kingdom come, kyour will be done,2 lon earth as it is in heaven. 11 mGive us nthis day our daily bread,3 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And olead us not into temptation, but pdeliver us from qevil.4
Pastor Rusty Milton
Judges 9:7-21 ESV
"The Fruitful Leader"
The qualification to lead is seen in one’s fruits. Good leaders produce good fruit. It’s not the type of work that they do but how they do it. Bad leaders produce bad fruit. Believers should not choose leaders in the same way that the world does. Rather, they should choose leaders to fill positions in government, the church, and the home who discern truth and direction by the leading of God. How should we apply the store alliance? We should be cautious to guard against any sins which may grow up and hinder our ability to discern truth and goodness in others, as well as ourselves. Regularly, ask God to search our hearts, rooting out any bad fruit which would prevent us from honoring God.
Judges 9:7-21
English Standard Version
7 When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you. 8 The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ 9 But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?’ 10 And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’ 11 But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’ 12 And the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’ 13 But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’ 14 Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’ 15 And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’
16 “Now therefore, if you acted in good faith and integrity when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house and have done to him as his deeds deserved— 17 for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian, 18 and you have risen up against my father's house this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative— 19 if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. 20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” 21 And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer and lived there, because of Abimelech his brother.
In today's sermon from Judges chapter 10 we learn about both the severity and goodness of God. Our God is a jealous God and his judgment upon idolatry is severe. But our God is also a good and gracious God that offers forgiveness through sincere faith and repentance.
Pastor Caleb Galloway
Genesis 18:16-34 ESV
“Prayer: the Gateway to Heaven on Earth”
What is the content of your prayers and what does this say about the content of your heart? As we get older, we often become cynical, which affects our prayer life. As a result, prayer become smaller in our lives and our joy shrinks. But God calls us into a praying life, which enables us to take part in his kingdom mission. In Genesis 18, we read of Abrahams, intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. There are three aspects of prayer which we can learn from this: we are to be compassionate in prayer, ceaseless in prayer, and confident in prayer. If you find that these attributes do not describe your prayer life, ask God to change your heart, to change the hearts of others, and to put people in your path who need him.
Genesis 18:16-33
English Standard Version
16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way.17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen[a] him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether[b] according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Judges 9:1-6 ESV
“Abimelech: The Half-Blooded King
We are far too impressed by compelling arguments. And judges nine, we see this with Abimelech, who desires, power above anything else. He promises his people freedom at the expense of sacrificing others, but Christ is the only human sacrifice that brings real freedom. His father, Gideon, lived like a king and had many wives, and at least one concubine. It was this concubine who was Abimelech’s mother, and who’s connections with the Canaanites, and the religion of Baal, open the door for Abinelech to wreak havoc in Israel. In one fateful power move, Abimelech deceived and sacrificed all of Gideon’s other sons save one, to Baal. It was through this act that he attempted to gain power over Israel. And his people believed him, hoping that by sacrifice of human life, the god Baal would bring about a utopia for them.
How do we apply this to our every day life? We ought to remember that God provided a human sacrifice to bring true freedom to the world. To follow Jesus, we must die, so that we might also live with God. But we are not our own sacrifice, and it is not for us to punish ourselves, or beat ourselves up to make amends for sin. There has been only one sacrifice that was sufficient for this : Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.
Judges 9:1-6
English Standard Version
Abimelech's Conspiracy
9 Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's relatives and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother's family, 2 “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”
3 And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” 4 And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. 5 And he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. 6 And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem.
Pastor Mike Palmer
"Chosen Pilgrims"
1 Peter 1:1-2 ESV
How can we know which desires are correct when we have so many conflicting feelings within us? As Christians, however, we are chosen and set apart to be in a covenant relationship with God. By extension, we can rest in the knowledge that, as children of God, set apart according to his foreknowledge and imbued with destiny, God's will for us will be worked out in our lives.
1 Peter 1:1-21 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Glory of Christ"
2 Corinthians 5:6-7
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
There are two ways we will behold God's glory: by faith in this world, and by sight in the next. All our present comfort as believers starts with beholding the glory of Christ by faith. It is beholding the glory of Christ that changes us. The view of Christ in this world is obtained through faith, though we see and experience God dimly as through a poorly polished mirror. In heaven, however, we will see God by sight, face to face. On this side of the veil, however, we can nevertheless be changed by his glory via the ordinances of faith: prayer, reading of the scripture, meditating on scripture, the sacrament of baptism, and the Lord's supper.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7
English Standard Version
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
English Standard Version
4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Praying in the Spirit"
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
Galatians 5:25 ESV
Paul describes prayer as something that is woven into everything we do. We can have all the other armor of the Spirit, but without prayer, we are at a disadvantage. Prayer in the Spirit is a movement of the heart towards God. Paul, therefore, exhorts believers to pray always (Vs. 18) so that they are in constant interaction with the Father, receiving input from the Spirit and expressing the needs of our heart; and, to pray in a variety of ways, asking for help in as much as intercession for others. How do we apply this to our lives? First, be aware that if there is secret sin in our hearts, and/or we are not engaging in the spiritual disciplines, we will not be able to pray in the Spirit. Second, discern between the impulses and desires of our flesh and true desires of the Spirit: guidance from the Spirit will always point toward Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Galatians 5:25English Standard Version25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 22:13-28 ESV
"The Three Marks of False Prophets"
God is good and he reigns supreme, no matter what circumstances may surround you. Often, there is a general rejection of God's truth when it tells the world what it doesn't want to hear. We see this in 1 Kings 22:8-9, with Ahab's attitude toward Micaiah's prophecies from the Lord. We live in a culture where man believes he is sovereign, and decides what is good and bad. Rason is above revelation from God, and man believes he is evolving and progressing toward total self-sufficiency. As an extension of this man-centered philosophy, the world pressures us to change the Word of God rather than be transformed by it. In vv. 24-28, however, we see that the opposite is true: Michaiah declares that God's word always comes true, and we must conform to it.
1 Kings 22:8-28English Standard Version8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” 17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’” 18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ 22 And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ 23 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.”
24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?” 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.”
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 22:1-13
"False Prophets"
How can we discern God's will and direction from the false messages of the world. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab and Jehoshaphat seek divine wisdom from the nation's prophets. Jehoshaphat notices, however, that no true prophets of the Lord are present. Ahab offers to summon Michaiah, but despises his prophecy because it doesn't tell him what he wants to hear. Like Jehoshaphat, we can discern God's true direction by recognizing that false teaching and prophecy only give a positive message, are usually not specific, and misapply the Word of God in order to achieve their own goals.
How should we apply these insights into our own quests to discover God's direction for our lives?
1) Don't come to the scriptures with unrepentant hearts.
2) Don't come to the scriptures with decisions already made.
3) Engage in fervent prayer prior to reading the scriptures.
4) Allow scriptures to interpret scripture.
5) Consult the guides God has put in your life.
1 Kings 22:1-13
English Standard Version
Ahab and the False Prophets
22 For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.”
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Christ Satisfies the Dissatisfied Heart"
1 Kings 21:1-16 ESV
Contentment is found when you set your desires to be satisfied by Christ. In 1 Kings 20, we see Ahab sullen and pouting when Naboth refuses to sell his vineyard. He and Jezebel then conceive a plot to have him slandered and unjustly executed, all because Ahab was discontent. In this passage, we see that a covetous heart is never satisfied (vv. 1-4), always places its desires above God's desires (vv. 5-7), and finds a way to get what it wants at all costs (vv8-14). How do we apply this to our lives? Recognize that covetousness wreaks havoc to get what it wants, and that this dissatisfaction is at the root of misery. Conversely, contentment brings true satisfaction in our lives.
1 Kings 21: 1-16
English Standard Version
Naboth's Vineyard
21 Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed[a] God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, 12 they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 13 And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.”
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Hebrews 6:4-9 ESV
Repentance is a work of God's grace in our life that's not to be taken lightly; it is a grace God does not give to some.
In Hebrews 6:4-9, the author addresses the question of seeming believers who fall away from a relationship with God. How are we to understand this? In vs. 4-6, this falling away was the result of a calculated step away from God despite having experienced the gifts of God: the presence of the Holy Spirit in other believers; the teaching of the Word of God; and excitement over the world to come. In vs. 7-8, the metaphor of different soils is used to help explain this process: having received rain, one soil bears fruit, and one soil bears thorns. Clarification comes when one sees that focus is placed on what is already within the soil: seeds of one or the other. How do we apply this to our lives? Make a choice to take hold of the means of grace (prayer, the Word, communion, fellowship), and you will bear fruit. But, if you find that you are only bearing worthless, outward adherence to religious tenets without experiencing a heart change, your "religion" is worthless and it would seem you have never been renewed by the Spirit. Turn to Christ, and ask God to search your heart and lead you to true repentance.
Hebrews 6:4-9
English Standard Version
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.
4/4/21
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Resurrection Hope"
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV
We all desire for there to be something more than the world we live in. This longing is fulfilled in Jesus' kingdom. He has accomplished what humanity never could, bringing deliverance from the dominion of evil, freedom from death and judgment, and freedom to live in eternal delight. His kingdom has broken into time, space, and history, and he will bring the fullness of his kingdom when he comes back.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
English Standard Version
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Before Abraham Was, I AM"
John 8:49-58 ESV
Who did Jesus claim to be? Many believe that he never actually claimed to be God, but is this accurate? In John 8:56, Jesus declares that he is the fulfillment of the promise of redemption made to Abraham. In vs. 57-58, he declares that he is EGO EIMI, the great I AM (Jehovah) who can forgive sins, who sends the Spirit, God's one and only Son, and one with the Father. Any honest reading of the Gospels can leave us with no doubt: Jesus declared himself one with, and inseparable from, God.
John 8:49–58English Standard Version
49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but hI honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet iI do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, jI say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never ksee death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! lAbraham died, as did the prophets, yet myou say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never ntaste death.’ 53 oAre you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, p“If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. qIt is my Father who glorifies me, rof whom you say, ‘He is our God.’4 55 But syou have not known him. tI know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be ua liar vlike you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 wYour father Abraham xrejoiced ythat he would see my day. zHe saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”5 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, aI am.”
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Embracing Exclusive Truth"
John 14:6-11 ESV
Many in modern culture believe that Christianity is about living a moralistic life, seeking God because he will make us happy, and that God is removed from everyday life. But none of this is accurate. The heart of Christianity is the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the Way to God; the Truth about God (vs. 7); and the Life of God, empowering believers to live by the Spirit and not by the power of sin (vs. 10).
John 14:6-11English Standard Version6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[a] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
What is a good shepherd? In John 10 Jesus shows us the difference between a good shepherd and mere hireling. A hireling will flee in times of trouble in stead of caring for the sheep. But a good shepherd is will to lay his life his life down because he knows and cares for his sheep. John 10 gives us the reason we can trust Christ as our good shepherd.
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 8:21-29 ESV
"The Favor of God"
We can't earn by effort what we already have by grace.
In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah challenged the people of God to choose between God and Baal--effectively, to "get off the fence" (vv.20-21). All throughout Ahab's reign, the leadership of Israel had waffled between worship of Baal and a half-hearted belief in God. The view of religion in their culture, in as much as our own, was simply a means to an end: manipulate the divine through outward worship and religious ceremony with little heed to the true state of our hearts. It was this idolatrous state that led to the 3 1/2 year long drought. Elijah then challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest: whichever deity responded with fire was the true God of Israel, and should garner the wholehearted praise and devotion of the nation. The prophets of Baal responded with religious fervor in order to win Baal's attention and response; Elijah relied on his relationship with God, and simply asked for his power to be displayed (vv. 26-29). Baal was powerless; God responded with an unmistakable display of power. From this we should remember that it is a relationship with God, through faith and grace, that puts us in a right relationship with God, not outward religious fervor.
1 Kings 18:21-2921 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.
Pastor Caleb Galloway
1 Kings 18:1-19 ESV
"Pursuing Godly Courage"
No matter how bad our culture gets around us, we are called to have Godly courage and confront evil wherever it appears. In 1 Kings 18, we see Godly courage manifested differently through two characters: Obadiah, King Ahab's servant; and Elijah, the prophet of God. Through his quiet obedience to God, and rebellion against Ahab to save the prophets, Obadiah exemplifies covert courage. Like him, you may not be on the front stage, but God is still calling you to confront and rebuke evil, even if you're afraid. Through his public office as prophet, and direct challenge to the idolatrous practices of Ahab, Elijah exemplifies confrontational courage. Like him, God may call you to stand on the front lines and speak out openly against evil. No matter how God calls you to be courageous, know that Christ is with you to bear you up and walk with you through your mission.
1 Kings 18:1-19
ELIJAH CONFRONTS AHAB
1 d After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth." 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was e over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, 4 and f when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, "Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals." 6 So they divided the land between them to pass through it. Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another direction by himself.
7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, "Is it you, my lord Elijah?" 8 And he answered him, "It is I. Go, tell your lord, 'Behold, Elijah is here.'" 9 And he said, "How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 g As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, 'He is not here,' he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, 'Go, tell your lord, "Behold, Elijah is here."' 12 And as soon as I have gone from you, h the Spirit of the Lord will carry you I know not where. And so, when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth. 13 Has it not been told my lord what I did i when Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord, how I hid a hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, 'Go, tell your lord, "Behold, Elijah is here"'; and he will kill me." 15 And Elijah said, g "As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today." 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, j "Is it you, you k troubler of Israel?" 18 And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have l abandoned the commandments of the Lord and m followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount n Carmel, and the o 450 prophets of Baal and p the 400 prophets of Asherah, q who eat at Jezebel's table."
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 17:8-16 ESV
"God's Universal Interest and Influence in the Believer's Life"
God is always fathering us no matter where we are, and that includes when we pass through trials and tribulations. The providence of God touches all things that impact our lives. We see this play out in 1 Kings 17 when God sends Elijah to a gentile widow for provision. For Elijah, the woman was to be a vessel for God's provision. For the woman, Elijah was to be a vessel for God's supernatural intervention and life (vv. 8-11). In their interaction, we see God making his providential will known by validating his prophetic word to Elijah with the congruent works of the gentile widow. Like Elijah and the widow, we can rest in knowing that no matter what we experience, there is no unfathered ground in our lives. Our greatest provision to sustain us is Christ. We can therefore remind ourselves that:
-God's interest and influence in our lives is universal; he cares about all things in our lives.
-Providence accomplishes the Father's good purposes for us; nothing stops it.
-Providence is to your greatest benefit and comfort.
God is good. And because he's good, his providence is good.
1 Kings 17:8-16
English Standard Version
The Widow of Zarephath
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"A Drought of Water and the Word"
1 Kings 17 ESV
When we look at the world, and it seems our commander is not with us, does this mean God was caught off guard? No, God is working both grace and judgment through the presence of his word. In 1 Kings 17, God sends Elijah with a message to Ahab: no rain will fall for 3 1/2 years (vs. 1). At this time, Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, had made Baal worship the state religion. To demonstrate his power of Baal's supposed domain (i.e. storms, fertility, etc.), God acts in accordance with his prophecy and withholds rain from the country. During this time, God sends Elijah into the wilderness (Vs. 2) as a demonstration that he was withdrawing his blessing and word from Israel nationally. After his time of isolation, God then sends Elijah to Zarapheth--to the Gentiles--along with his word, power, and provision (vv. 7-9). How do we apply this to our lives? Hold fast to the Word of God, use the Spirit's discernment to recognize God's judgment on our nation, and remind ourselves that God never "dries up" his presence or his Word for the true believer, but meets us in the wilderness with encouragement, life, and provision.
Elijah Predicts a Drought
17 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe[a] in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.
The Widow of Zarephath
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
Elijah Raises the Widow's Son
17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 An
12/27/2020
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Embracing the Ordinary"
Luke 1:26-38 ESV
What prevents us from being used by God is our persistence to believe we must rely on our own abilities. This implies we believe we are either too ordinary to be of use for God, or that ministry is really about abilities, rather than the power of the Spirit. However, God loves to show extraordinary things through the ordinary. We see this first in the place from which Mary and Joseph came: Nazareth (vs. 26). Second, we see it in the ordinariness of Mary and Joseph. There are, therefore, no little people in God's kingdom. We should therefore remember that: God uses ordinary people to display his glory; he simply asks our willingness and faithfulness; ministry is about valuing and loving the ordinary while longing for the extraordinary; ministry is not about your abilities, but God's grace.
Luke 1: 26-38 ESV
Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[b] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[c] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[d]
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[g] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will cal
12/24/2020
Pastor Rusty Milton
Luke 1 ESV
"Magnifying Christ"
Christmas is about magnifying God for his faithfulness. We magnify God because he makes and keeps his promises (vv. 31-33), and we glorify God for his faithfulness (vv. 46-47). We can apply this to our daily lives by magnifying God's holiness, the greatness of his power, and the greatness of his mercy.
Luke 1
English Standard Version
Dedication to Theophilus
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,[a] of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[b] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored
Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Humility of the Manger"
Luke 2:8-14 ESV
When God sent the Savior of man to earth to be born in a feed trough, he showed contempt for the pride of man. The whole framework of the gospel is designed to bring us to an end of our pride, and it starts with Christ born in a manger. Pride often wants to humble people by showing its greatness, and the smallness of others. Humility comes from seeing our smallness and seeing the greatness of God. Beyond this, however, we must also see and feel the beauty of God. The story of the manager tells us how much God loves us--to sacrifice all to draw us to salvation. If you are a disciple, you must also walk in humility. How do we grow in humility? First, understand humility not as thinking lowly and negatively of ourselves. These are a road to pride because they focus on self. True humility is about being consumed with God's sufficiency: daily bowing before the throne of Grace as those washed of our sins in the blood of the Lamb. As we bow before the All-Sovereign God, the Spirit works repentance, trust, and humility in our lives because it brings us closer to God.
Luke 2:8–12English Standard Version
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord xappeared to them, and ythe glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all zthe people. 11 For aunto you is born this day in bthe city of David ca Savior, who is dChrist ethe Lord. 12 And fthis will be a sign for you: you will find a baby gwrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel ha multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God jin the highest, and on earth peace lamong those with whom he is pleased!”
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Preparing the Way"
Luke 3:15-18; Isaiah 40; Acts 2; Luke 12:49-50
God always deals with sin by fire. In Luke 3, John the Baptist announces two gifts from the Lord: His Son, and His Spirit. Baptism is the mark of both. In Luke 3:16, we see John explaining the coming of the Holy Spirit as a baptism of the fire of purification, revealing our sin and drawing us toward repentance and salvation through the Son. The mark of this baptism is not perfection in this life, but an awakening of spiritual sensation, discernment of good and evil, and the ability to fight sin in life.
But we also see fire as a symbol of judgment. Christ brings salvation, but he also is the arbiter of judgment on all sin: we either accept his atoning sacrifice and therefore escape our judgment, or we receive due judgment for our sins onto ourselves.
Let us then gladly submit our lives to God and rest in his salvation, which brings the baptism of purifying fire, and allows us to escape the fire of judgment.
Isaiah 40English Standard VersionComfort for God's People
40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare[a] is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries:[b]
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
The Word of God Stands Forever
6 A voice says, “Cry!”
And I said,[c] “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty[d] is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
The Greatness of God
9 Go on up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good news;[e]
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good news;[f]
lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Behold your God!”
10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed th
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Emmanuel is God With Us"
Matthew 1:18-23 ESV
Isaiah 7:10-14 ESV
God is God with us and is God for us. In Matthew 1 and Isaiah 7, God promises an incarnation: He would become man in order to keep His promise of an eternal kingdom to David. Emmanuel is simultaneously the sign of this promise being made and kept. This is directly applicable to us now: Emmanuel and his promises have not changed. Christ is the sign of God's love and faithfulness to us, as well as the fulfillment of that promise.
Matthew 1:18-23
English Standard Version
The Birth of Jesus Christ
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
Isaiah 7:10-14
English Standard Version
The Sign of Immanuel
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your[a] God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he[b] said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Re-Canaanizing the Land"
1 Kings 16:29-34 ESV
The heart is an idol factory, and the more we have of them, the less we are satisfied. Idols always work to turn your life away from grace and into a spiritual wilderness. In 1 Kings 16:29, we are introduced to Ahab, the new king of Israel. Rather than seeking contentment and fulfilment in God, we immediately see him seeking satisfaction through his relationship with Jezebel (vs. 31) and the older Canaanite religions (vs. 32). We, similarly, tend to seek satisfaction in relationships, as well as man-centered religions that put us in control: we seek someone to satisfy our hearts, and return to belief systems that rely on rules and regulations rather than grace. No idols of relationship or religion, however, will satisfy us until we are satisfied in a grace-centered relationship with Christ. If you find yourself far from God, then spend more time learning about God through his Word and prayer; this will bring you to a place of deep satisfaction and contentment.
1 Kings 16:29-34
English Standard Version
Ahab Reigns in Israel
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Luke 12:22-34 ESV
"Overcoming Anxiety with the Fatherhood, Promises, and Providences of God."
Where do you find your security? If in your own control over situations, you are on "un-Fathered" ground, and your anxieties will seek to control you. Moreover, you won't be able to show the glory of God because of your fear of messing up. Find your security in the fatherhood, promises, and providences of God. In Luke 12, Jesus explains these principles by exhorting his listeners to overcome anxiety by knowing their value in God (vv. 22-30), and by considering what God has given them in Christ (vv. 31-32). When you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, therefore, choose to put your trust in your Father, and be willing to take steps of faith to deeply invest in the kingdom of God.
Luke 12:22-34
English Standard Version
Do Not Be Anxious
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[b] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his[c] kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 13:11-19 ESV
The greatest challenge to the church comes from false prophets who tell you they are speaking for God. In 1 Kings 13:11, we see a false prophet lying to God's true prophet, and thus bringing about the death of the true prophet. When the false prophet hears the news of God's prophecy against Jeroboam and his false religion, he sends for the young prophet (Vv. 11-13). He then deceives him into believing that he, too, has heard from the Lord, and that the young prophet should come to his house to eat. Despite having been warned against doing that very thing, the young prophet believes the older, eats at his house, and is subsequently killed by a lion.
False prophets and teachers have always been the worst enemy of God's true people; they try to convince people to not trust God's word and promises. Having been deceived and fallen into cynicism themselves, they encourage others to follow their feelings, and thus lose sight of the Gospel. How does this process of deception progress? It begins by listening to deceiving words, dwelling on them, trusting in them, and then acting upon them. To protect ourselves, we must meditate on God's true Word and be quick to reject anything that sets itself up to depose its authority in our lives.
1 Kings 13:11–19
ESV
The Prophet’s Disobedience
11 Now uan old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons1 came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. 12 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. 13 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him and he mounted it. 14 And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” 15 Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” 16 And he said, v“I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, 17 for it was said to me wby the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’ ” 18 And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” But he lied to him. 19 So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 13:1-8 ESV
"God's Response to Jeroboam's New Religion"
We must look to the works of Christ, not the works of our flesh, to make us right with God. In 1 Kings 13, Jeroboam readies himself to begin worship ceremonies in his new temple when an unnamed prophet is sent by God to warn him of the consequences of false worship. Jeroboam responds with contempt, and commands the prophet to be arrested. To validate the prophet's message, the altar is cracked and Jeroboam's hand is withered. In this passage, we see grace extended to the king via the prophet's warning (vv. 1-3), his initial contempt for God's message (vv. 4-8), his eventual repentance (however temporary and shallow), and his thwarted attempt to earn God's favor via gifts for the prophet. God similarly extends the same graces to us: warnings, and urgings toward repentance. It is the Spirit, however, who has the power to truly change our hearts and work a righteousness within us. When conviction is sent by the Spirit, therefore, we should confess and repent, and be mindful of our utter dependence on God for our hearts to be changed. In our own flesh, we are completely incapable of true change, and incapable of pleasing God.
1 Kings 13
English Standard Version
A Man of God Confronts Jeroboam
13 And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the Lord to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. 2 And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’” 4 And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him.” And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. 5 The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before. 7 And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8 And the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, 9 for so was it commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.’” 10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.
9/13/20
Pastor Rusty Milton
"A Turn of Affairs"
1 Kings 12 ESV
Providence is God's performing his gracious purposes and promises to his people. Do we watch the events of the world through this lens, or through a man-centered lens? In 1 Kings 12, we read of Solomon's son, Rehoboam, ascending to the throne amidst a dissatisfied populace, still burdened under the heavy taxation and labor laws of Solomon. Rather than listen to the wisdom of the elders of Israel, Rehoboam listens to his spoiled peers, who encourage him to increase the burden on the population in an effort to demonstrate his authority. As a result, the kingdom is divided. Like Rehoboam, each day, we have the opportunity to look at our circumstances either through the lens of Providence or a human-centered view. When we seek happiness and direction through Christ, we are free to grow spiritually and be content. If we seek direction and happiness from the world, we will be double-minded and a slave to our feelings and appetites. How do we apply this to our lives? As our country moves toward change, we should remind ourselves that it is God who is in control, not man.
Rehoboam's Folly
12 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from[a] Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” 5 He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 7 And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” 8 But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. 11 And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” 13 And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, 14 he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
The Kingdom Divided
16 And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Isr
9/6/2020
Adam Comeens
"He Remembers"
Exodus 28:1-30 ESV
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
Despite our circumstances, we have an eternal high priest, Jesus Christ, who bears our sins and comforts us in our suffering. In Exodus 28:1-30, we read the description of Aaron's priestly garments; specifically, the ephod and breastplate. These both remind us of the work and person of Jesus. The ephod can represent how Christ bears our sins upon His shoulders, while the breastplate can illustrate how he comforts us in our suffering. How do we apply this to our daily lives? In your words, your thoughts, your deeds, your parenting, your work, your relationships, do not let the circumstances dictate what you believe about God and how he cares for us in the midst of present trials. Turn your eyes to Jesus, our high priest; it is there you see the true God who bears your sins on his shoulders and comforts you in your suffering.
The Priests' Garments
28 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. 4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. 5 They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
6 “And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. 7 It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. 8 And the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. 9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 11 As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree. 12 And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance. 13 You shall make settings of gold filigree, 14 and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings.
15 “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it. 16 It shall be square and doubled, a span[a] its length and a span its breadth. 17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius,[b] topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; 18 and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree. 21 There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. 22 You shall make for the br
Pastor Rusty Milton
Luke 16:13-17 ESV
"A Divided Heart"
We often separate our lives into the sacred and secular, but for the Christian, there is no such distinction. All is sacred. If we seek peace and security primarily in possessions, money, relationships, sports, or power, etc., they will possess and control us. In other words, when the heart is divided, your possessions will possess you. In Luke 16, Jesus speaks of the impossibility of serving both possessions and God, exhorting his hearers to serve God alone and thus escape the enslavement which comes from idolizing money and material things. How do we know if we are struggling with this? We can ask ourselves:
1) Do we find ourselves dreaming about what we are going to have someday more than we meditate on God and his truth?
2) Are your feelings and actions controlled by those desires?
3) Do you find yourself making decisions to further your career or gain more money, even though those decisions are destructive to your family and loved ones?
4) Are you never satisfied with what God has given you, but covet what others have?
If your answer to many of these are "yes," then repent of idolatry. Choose to trust in God to supply all your needs when you trust in Jesus--our greatest possession.
Luke 16:13–17English Standard Version
13 pNo servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
The Law and the Kingdom of God
14 tThe Pharisees, who were ulovers of money, heard all these things, and they vridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who wjustify yourselves before men, but xGod knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men yis an abomination in the sight of God.
16 z“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then athe good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and beveryone forces his way into it.5 17 But cit is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
Pastor Rusty Milton
“The Coming Gentiles”
1 King’s 10 ESV
God‘s love for us is expressed in the king he has given. In first kings 10:1-3, we see the queen of Sheba coming to ask questions of king Solomon. Despite the long and arduous journey to Israel, we see her recognizing that time with the king was worth the journey. As believers, we have a similar choice to make. We all have a daily collision between work and worship—the one thing necessary to do all our work well is to meditate on his word and spend time with him. Our time with Jesus is our ultimate good and what enables us to do our work well.
In verses 6-8, we see the servants of King Solomon described as experiencing joy in his presence. As Christians, we are servants of God. As we stand before King Jesus and listen to him, we are fitted to do good works for him, our King. This is a source of joy to us as we commune with him.
Finally, in verse 9, we see King Solomon praised by the queen of Sheba for his justice and righteousness displayed through his judgments. In Jesus, we see one greater than Solomon, sent by God to execute judgment and righteousness and justice on behalf of all believers.
1 Kings 10:1-9English Standard Version The Queen of Sheba
10 (A)Now when (B)the queen of (C)Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came (D)to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels (E)bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.
6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 (F)Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!9 (
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Samuel 17 ESV
Your view of man must be full of the Living God and his covenant promises to you. In 1 Samuel 17, we see David encountering a fear-filled Israelite army, terrorized and berated by Goliath's God-slandering challenges. The army's collective fear of man led to inaction (vs. 4-7), while David's older brother's fear fueled his resentment and bitterness toward David's God-filled stance on Goliath's blasphemy (Vs. 21-35). Even King Saul's fearfulness attempted to dissuade David from God's calling. Conversely, we see David countering each example of fear of man with God-centeredness. Similarly, when you face a trial of faith, remember that your circumstances may be different, but God is the same.
1 Samuel 17
English Standard Version
David and Goliath
17 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six[a] cubits[b] and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels[c] of bronze. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.[d] 13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.
17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah[e] of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”
19 Now Saul and they and all
Caleb Galloway
1 Kings 8:22-66
How much of your everyday life is spent in deliberate, meditative prayer or even short, momentary prayer? In Ephesians 6:18, Paul reminds us to be “praying at all times, in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” We learn principles of prayer in this text from 1 Kings when Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord in prayer. Because God is faithful to his covenant promises, we have full access to Him in prayer. You have his ear. Tell him all. Ask him anything. Expect grace. From Solomon’s prayer, we learn to adore God, confess personal and corporate sin, and request life concerns from God in prayer. Solomon is a shadow of our eternal King Jesus, the greatest King, who also demonstrates how to pray and approach God in prayer in his high priestly prayer in John 17. When you are weak, troubled, wanting, in plenty and famine, cry out to the Lord who is ready to hear and give you grace.
1 Kings 8
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven,
23 and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;
24 you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day.
25 Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.'
26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father.
27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day,
29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, 'My name shall be there,' that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place.
30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
31 "If a man sins against his neighbor and is made to take an oath and comes and swears his oath before your altar in this house,
32 then hear in heaven and act and judge your servants, condemning the guilty by bringing his conduct on his own head, and vindicating the righteous by rewarding him according to his righteousness.
33 "When your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and if they turn again to you and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you in this house,
34 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them again to the land that you gave to their fathers.
35 "When heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, when you afflict them,
36 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.
37 "If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence or blight or mildew or locust or caterpillar, if their enemy besieges them in the land at their gates, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is,
38 whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 8:1-12 ESV
"The Temple"
Because Christians are the temple of the Living God, we are to live all of life as if in the Divine Presence. In 1 Kings 8, we see the ark being raised up, the presence of God coming down to dwell in the temple, and the Israelites gathering for corporate worship. We, too, need to remember that, because God dwells within us as he did in the temple, we should engage in private and public worship. In this way, we connect and communicate with God, and experience his presence.
1 Kings 8
English Standard Version
The Ark Brought into the TempleThen Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. 5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
Solomon Blesses the Lord
12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord[a] has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.
Rusty Milton
1 Kings 6 ESV
"Holiness and Beauty"
Where Christians find goodness, truth, and beauty, we find something we can enjoy and embrace. God created man that we might create. Sometimes we miss the place of art and beauty because it's seen as a waste of time, as though it has nothing to do with salvation. But we are creatures of our creative Creator, and he loves for us to create. In 1 Kings, we see the description of Solomon's temple: it's filled with gold, depictions of nature, and intricate ornamentation. We can look at this as evidence of his delight in beauty and art. When Christ redeems us, he calls us to use all our gifts and talents so that all of our lives, including our creativity, can represent and glorify his work.
1 Kings 6
English Standard Version
Solomon Builds the Temple
6 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord. 2 The house that King Solomon built for the Lord was sixty cubits[a] long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 3 The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and ten cubits deep in front of the house. 4 And he made for the house windows with recessed frames.[b] 5 He also built a structure[c] against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. And he made side chambers all around. 6 The lowest story[d] was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house.
7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
8 The entrance for the lowest[e] story was on the south side of the house, and one went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle story to the third. 9 So he built the house and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar. 10 He built the structure against the whole house, five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.
11 Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”
14 So Solomon built the house and finished it. 15 He lined the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar. From the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood, and he covered the floor of the house with boards of cypress. 16 He built twenty cubits of the rear of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the walls, and he built this within as an inner sanctuary, as the Most Holy Place. 17 The house, that is, the nave in front of the inner sanctuary, was forty cubits long. 18 The cedar within the house was carved in the form of gourds and open flowers. All was cedar; no stone was seen. 19 The inner sanctuary he prepared in th
Adam Comeens
Matthew 11:25-30 ESV
In order to be Christlike, you must be gentle and lowly of heart. Biblically, the heart is the center of our being. Your heart is who you really are. We often bury who we really are under our exterior roles, abilities, and activities. When we are saved and redeemed however, Christ gives us a heart of flesh in place of our heart of stone, and our true identity becomes that of a child of God. Our hearts then become like Christ’s: gentle, humble, and inviting. This is crucial for Ministry, where a humble heart will draw others to Christ through us. How can we grow spiritually in this way? We should come to Jesus, recognizing that he is the only solution for our sin; lay our hearts open to others; Yolk our lives to Jesus; and practice allowing his gentleness and love to flow through us by laying down our rights, rank, and privileges.
Matthew 11:25-30
English Standard Version
Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest
25 (A)At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, (B)Lord of heaven and earth, that (C)you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and (D)revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your (E)gracious will.[a] 27 (F)All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son (G)except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone (H)to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 (I)Come to (J)me, all who labor and are (
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Diverse But Not Divided
1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:20-21 ESV
The church must be diverse without division. In the church of Corinth, people were creating divisions based on burth, rank, money, education, and who they followed. But Paul schorted them to be united under the Lordship of, and mind of, Christ. Similarly, our divisions must be sanctified and brought under the Lordship of Christ. 1 Corinthians gives us 3 warnings about what is lost in division: Gospel ministry, God's glory, and God's presence. In John 17, however, we see Christ praying for unity to come as based on our being unified based on our relationship to the Father and the Son. Therefore, we should examine our hearts, allow God to pare away humanistic divisions, and unify ourselves under the Lordship of Christ.
__________________
1 Corinthians 1:10
English Standard Version
Divisions in the Church
10 I appeal to you, brothers,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
John 17:20-21
English Standard Version
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
6/21/2020
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The Utopia of the Great King"
1 Kings 4:20-34 ESV
God's wisdom leads to shalom (i.e. peace). As God's people living in God's kingdom, we have hope! The best is yet to come! In 1 Kings 4, we see Solomon's wealth, as well as the prosperity visited on the kingdom because of his wisdom, described. This was in partial fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham: that the people of Israel would be numerous and prosperous (v. 20); that they would dwell in, and have dominion over, the land of Canaan (vv. 21, 24); and that they would have peace in the land (vv. 24-25). How do we apply this to our lives? As a people, we should measure our worth and identity by whether or not we are God's children; we should remember that true Utopia won't manifest until heaven is brought down to earth as described in Revelation; and that true shalom is found only in God alone.
1 Kings 4:20-34 ESV
Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom
20 Judah and Israel were as many ras the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 1 21 sSolomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the tEuphrates2 to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. uThey brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 Solomon's provision for one day was thirty cors3 of fine flour and sixty cors of meal, 23 ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened fowl. 24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates4 from Tiphsah to vGaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. wAnd he had peace on all sides around him. 25 And Judah and Israel xlived in safety, yfrom Dan even to Beersheba, zevery man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. 26 aSolomon also had 40,0005 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen. 27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon's table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and bswift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty.
29 cAnd God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind dlike the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all ethe people of the east fand all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was cwiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 gHe also spoke 3,000 proverbs, hand his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. 34 And people of all nations came to hear the
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 3:16-28 ESV
Love has measurables, the clearest example of which is whether or not someone is willing to sacrifice for you. The greatness of the Father's love for us is shown through Christ's willingness to sacrifice his life for you so that you might have an eternal relationship with him.
In 1 Kings 3, we see King Solomon faced with a court case involving two prostitutes claiming a baby as their own (Vs. 16-18). Prostitutes were social pariahs, and yet Solomon was willing to take their case. Like them, God is willing to condescend to involve himself in our lives. We, who only conceive of love from a worldly perspective (i.e. possessing whatever we believe will make us happy), are saved by God's love, which seeks what is best for us even at the cost of his own life.
Solomon further exemplifies God's love by making a wise decision (vs. 24). He poses a dilemma to both women: kill the child and divide his body in half. This he does in order to discern the heart of each woman. As he no doubt predicted, the true mother willingly sacrifices her claim to the child in order that his life might be saved. One might say she sacrifices her own life with the child in order that he might live. Solomon banked on the truth that genuine love is self-sacrificial.
How do we apply this? Love God with all your heart through obedience and by living out a relationship with him. He is worthy of our love because he has clearly demonstrated his love for us through Christ's sacrifice.
1 Kings 3:16-28
English Standard Version
Solomon's Wisdom
16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.
23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.
Pastor Caleb Galloway
1 Kings 3:1-15; Proverbs 3:6-7 ESV
"Wisdom: The Need of the Hour."
What do you do when you're overwhelmed in your life? Where do you turn? How do you navigate your way out? We desperately need God's wisdom in every area of our lives.
In 1 Kings 3:6, before Solomon asks for help, he praises God by highlighting his steadfast love and graciousness to the house of David. In humility, he acknowledges his limitations (vs. 7), and admits his dependence on God (vs. 8). Only then, after ensuring that his heart was in a place of clarity and truth did he request wisdom from God (vs. 9). We, too, should recognize our utter dependence on God, and similarly seek wisdom from God.
In verses 10-14, God is pleased with Solomon's desires. He is a cheerful giver, and delights in giving good things to his children. Beyond just wisdom, he lavishly blesses Solomon with the things he did not ask for: incomparable riches and honor. These blessings are given with a warning, however: Solomon is to continue walking in obedience, or else his blessings will be taken away.
How do we apply this to our lives? Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways (Proverbs 3:6). Recognize our foolishness and limitations (Proverbs 3:7). Fear the Lord and keep away from evil (Proverbs 3:7).
1 Kings 3:1-15
English Standard VersionSolomon's Prayer for Wisdom
3 Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord.
3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his ser
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 2:13-25 ESV
In 1 Kings, Adonijah is once again shown to have a hardened determination to accomplish his goals, self-pity for what he's lost, and a demand for others to take up and accomplish his desires for him. But, a hardened determination to win leads to destruction.
Adonijah exposes his self-centered dreams:
When he comes to Bathsheba (Vs. 17), he is full of self-pity and asks for Abishag to be his wife. In the East, to marry a king's wife after he died was a bid for the throne. It was a sign that one was taking the authority of the kingdom. Adonijah's goal was to show Solomon as being weak and to overthrow him.
Adonijah's determination leads him to death:
Bathsheba certainly understood this, and goes to Solomon and lays Adonijah's plans bare. It then becomes evident that Solomon and Bathsheba both understand Adonijah's plot. Not only this, he perceives that Adonijah is attempting to overthrow the promises of God in as much as his own right to the throne (vs. 22)
Application:
1) Don't let your disappointments harden your heart and control your will. At some point, we will all face a situation where we are faced with something unfair or unjust. What do we do with our broken dreams? Do we wallow in self-pity? No. We should grieve our disappointments, but not be controlled by them.
2) Our grief can become excessive, however, when it darkens all areas of our lives. The result is that we become focused solely on what we've lost, and not what God is still doing in powerful ways in our lives.
3) Where are you with your broken dreams? Wallowing in self-pity? Or resting in all the goodness that God is working in your life presently. Christ loves for you to come to him with all your broken dreams, especially when we feel self-pity. He then begins to heal our hardened hearts by giving us a greater dreams--those focused on God-centered worship and mission.
1 Kings 2:13-25
Solomon's Reign Established
13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” He said, “Peacefully.” 14 Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” She said, “Speak.” 15 He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother's, for it was his from the Lord. 16 And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Speak.” 17 And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 18 Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”
19 So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king rose to meet her and bowed down to her. Then he sat on his throne and had a seat brought for the king's mother, and she sat on his right. 20 Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” 21 She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as his wife.” 22 King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar[a] the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life! 24 Now therefore as the Lord lives, who has established me and placed me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me a house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today.” 25 So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died.
Pastor Rusty Milton
1 Kings 1:1-10 ESV
The untrained heart demands to be king until it encounters the grace off Christ.
What vision do you have for your children? What vision for their life? To be married? Successful careers? Be a born again believer and men and women of faith? Is your idea for their outcome in line with your parenting? In 1 Kings 1, we see that David's permissive parenting had resulted in Adonijah's rebellious heart, leading him to a military coup. If our parenting teaches our children that they are the "kings" of their longings, they will become tyrants. But, if our parenting teaches are children that only Christ is the king of their unmet longings and desires, then they will be more likely to see their need to submit their lives to God.
How can we ensure that we parent in a way that instills godliness and self-control? There are two things to consider.
1) The untrained heart demands to be king (vs. 1). In the narrative of 1 Kings, David was old and weak. During this time, Adonijah was about 35 years old. Seeing that his father is old and unhealthy, he says in his own heart, "I will be king," and publicly proclaimed himself to be the ruler. He was so used to getting his own way, he demanded that he become king ahead of his brother, Solomon. We must teach our children that they are not the kings of their own lives, but that they must submit their desires, feelings, and ideals to God.
2) In the absence of boundaries, an indulged heart will seize any opportunity to take control (vs. 2; 9). Seeing his opportunity to seize the throne, Adonijah sought out men of authority who would support him, but avoided going to the prophet, Nathan. Indulgent children are only restrained by boundaries and the lack of opportunity to sin. In Godly parenting, we must set boundaries around our children that reflect truth and point them to Christ.
Discipline prepares the heart to be taught by taking our children to a place of repentance so they can see their need for grace. The goal is not to shame or hurt our children. It is to prepare the heart for the seed of the Word, which comes about through intentional Gospel training, which shows our children their need for Jesus. We, too, should recognize that we are rebels. We rebel against God every day in our sin. His response is not to bring out the legion against us, but to respond in grace. As parents, we should live out regular repentance, confession, and submission to God to our children.
David in His Old Age
1 Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms,[a] that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Bringing Truth Where Change is Needed"
Sin is progressive, and there is a road it is trying to take the believer's life down--away from safety, church, support--toward a hardened place. When this happens, or when you see it happy, we are exhorted to show others the truth. We are to show them the Word so they can see clearly, and run back to Christ for restoration. We often think of exhortation as harsh words, impatience, or threats. We don't think of acting patiently, gently, and speaking in love to restore others, but that's the Biblical perspective on exhortation.
Our hearts, however, are full of deceptive sin (3:12-13). When we gradually turn away from God, his grace, and our relationships with others, we fall into hardness and deception. As Christians, sin is being addressed by the Holy Spirit; nevertheless, we can be deceived by sin from seeing the true nature of our hearts and the things of God.
God alone knows the hidden things of the heart (4:13). He reads every thoughts, knows every feeling, and knows every motivation for why we do the things we do. We are an open book to our Creator, and yet he sympathizes and empathizes with us. He still calls us his beloved children and draws close to us.
So, in order that we might not be controlled and governed by sin, he shows us our hearts through the Word (4:11-12), which is living and active, reaching to the hidden places or our hearts and revealing our deception. Nothing is hidden from its illumination. Nothing is so broken that it cannot be healed. Nothing is so lost that it cannot be restored.
Therefore, allow the mirror of God's Word to reflect back your true heart. Be open and approachable to others' exhortation. Run to the cross when the Spirit brings insight into our hearts and we recognize our sin.
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Hebrews 3-4 ESV
JESUS GREATER THAN MOSES
3 Therefore, holy brothers,[a] you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's[b] house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.[c]
A REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers put me to the test
and saw my works for forty years.
10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,
and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;
they have not known my ways.’
11 As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest.’”
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts&
Galatians 6:11 by Pastor Caleb Galloway
Series:Galatians
In this week's sermon Pastor Caleb completes our sermon series on Galatians. The text for the sermon today is Galatians 6:11-18. The theme of Galatians is justification by faith alone. The question posed by the sermon today is “what do you boast in?”. If salvation is by faith alone then we have no room to boast. It is in Christ that we are dead to the world and it is in Christ that we are alive to God.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Sowing and Reaping"
Galatians 6:6-10 ESV
Most people don't have a harvest mentality in life, as though what they do in this world doesn't matter. Paul says that such a view of life mocks God and is self-deceiving. There is a God who is the moral judge of the universe, and what we so in this life will be reaped in the next. One could say that the sowing is always the father of your reaping. Paul speaks of reaping in three main ways.
1) We are to sow in the Word (vs. 6; 1 Corinthians 9:11). We do this by: bearing the burdens of those who are teaching the Word of God. By doing so, we are fulfilling Christ's law to help others grow spiritually.
2) We are to sow in eternity (vs. 7-8). Paul illustrates his meaning by discussing harvesting of the flesh as opposed to harvesting of the Spirit. One who sows to his flesh (without repentance) will reap corruption in eternity under judgment of God. One who sows of the Spirit reaps eternal life. Does this mean that one who does good things will be saved? No. Faith saves, but it is always accompanied by works.
3) We are to sow with endurance (vs. 9-10). While we have opportunity, we should persevere in doing good. If we don't give up, we will reap a bountiful harvest. All grow weary, but in looking to Christ for rejuvenation, we can finish the work God has planned for us.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be difficulties along the way. These difficulties will discourage you to quite the good and embrace the bad. Christ is our model for dealing this. He persevered in the good the Father set before him, which was redeeming us, because of the joy set before us. Therefore, keep the joy of eternal life before you so that you may endure in the work God has for you.
Galatians 6:6-10 ESV
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
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1 Corinthians 9:11 ESV
11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
Pastor Rusty Milton
Galatians 6:1-3 ESV
What if someone who has the Spirit gets entrapped and ensnared by sin? What's needed is for another believer to walk beside them, and help them bear their burden. This requires boldness in restoring others, and great humility--recognizing we are incapable of truly helping others without God, his grace, and his Spirit.
Spiritual boldness (v. 1-2) necessitates walking in the Spirit and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. Such brothers and sisters are to correct and restore those who are ensnared by sin in all meekness and gentleness. Gentleness is the grace that breaks up the hard soil of the heart, and makes it prepared to receive the truths of the scripture. We should, therefore, first examine ourselves prior to confronting others. If our hearts are not right, we should wait.
If the Lord does direct us to confront someone, we must do so in all humility. (v. 2-3). But it doesn't stop there. Those who are entrapped need someone to step into their lives and walk along side there, helping to bear their burden. This might be by sharing money, time, or other resources.
How do we apply this to our daily lives? First, as Christians, God gives us eyes to see people's needs. He gives us the Spirit so that we might restore them, and bear their burdens in the process. Correcting and restoring others is not a one time act. It is a long term commitment. Second, we must be willing to admit when we, ourselves, are ensnared by sin and cannot bear our burdens alone. We must be willing to share our hearts and failings with other believers. Third, we are not inferior OR superior to anyone else. If God uses you to restore many, don't be deceived: you are not superior spiritually. Your ability to minister to others is nothing by itself. It is the Spirit of the Lord working through you. Conversely, if you are struggling, don't be deceived: you are not inferior in God's kingdom. You have the same spirit and are clothed in the same righteousness of Christ, saved only by grace and faith in Christ.
Bear One Another's Burdens
6 Brothers,[a] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Resurrection Comfort"
John 11:17-27 ESV
We are commanded to take comfort, and comfort others, in the resurrection of Christ. During these times of hardship, when you see that others are struggling, are you looking for opportunities to do so? In John 11, we see Jesus offering the resurrection as the ultimate comfort in the face of death and loss. With his resurrection, every single believer, joined to him in the Spirit, will rise with him again. This is where the believer takes the greatest comfort for ourselves and others. There are two comforts in John 11: the comfort of the people, and the comfort provided by Jesus.
The comfort of the crowd (vs. 17-19) was offered by Mary and Martha's friends and family, as well as the professional mourners. The actual comfort this provided for them was naturally limited.
When Jesus came, however, true comfort is offered. Martha runs to him (vs. 25-26), desperately pouring out her heart to him. In her sorrow, it becomes evident that the sisters do not understand that he is more than a prophet, but God in the flesh. He then turns her eyes and hope to himself as THE resurrection and the life.
How do we apply this to our lives? It is by remembering that Christ's resurrection is the merit, cause, and model of our own resurrection.
John 11:17-27 English Standard Version (ESV)
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles[a] off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[b] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The Humble King Revealed"
Matthew 21:1-11 ESV
Matthew 20:17-19 ESV
Zechariah 9:9-10 ESV
Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV
Every human being on the face of the earth is challenged by God to deal with who Jesus is and what he did. This is the most important question in all history. In Matthew 21, he is shown entering Jerusalem and moving toward the cross, yet the crowds, while declaring him king, didn't understand the true purpose of his coming. Their hope was that he would be a political, nationalistic leader, which blinded them to his mission to destroy sin through his atoning sacrifice. Like them, we often fall into subconsciously internalizing false gospels based on works and personal holiness, or religion portraying God as someone who will give us what we want most if only we do the right thing. The true Gospel always shows us our utter inability to save ourselves, and points to our need for a suffering Messiah, willing to take on our sins and die in our place in order to become the Way back to God. Who do you say he is?
MATTHEW 21:1-11 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV)
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
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ZECHARIAH 9:9-10 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV)
THE COMING KING OF ZION
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River[a] to the ends of the earth.
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MATTHEW 20:17-19 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV)
JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEATH A THIRD TIME
17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the t
Galatians 5:22 by Rev. Rusty Milton
Series:Galatians
"The Fruit of the Spirit--Self-Control"
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV; Proverbs 25:28; Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Self-control is not abstinence, as if only defined by what I determine to give up and avoid. Rather, it's the Spirit's ability to govern my heart, and my willingness to submit to that governance continually. How is your self-control during this time of uncertainty?
Biblical self-control is not a product of gimmicks or a matter of personal will-power. It's the power of the Holy Spirit over the desires of the flesh, giving us new ability to govern our desires, and to live in that power. Self-control happens when we keep our desires under the control of Christ.
Whatever controls our heart controls our behavior. In Proverbs, one without self-control is depicted as a vulnerable city, with no defenses to keep out the enemy (25:28). Sin enters, cannot be kept out permanently, and grows into habitual sin that controls our lives. If the Spirit is not working self-control in our lives, our lives will be governed by whatever desire is the strongest. Self-control, grown and nurtured by the Spirit, is like the city's walls in Proverbs; it protects us from indwelling sin.
Man's attempt at self-control is to work harder, create regulations, and by sheer will-power, create rules for dos and don'ts. This naturally leads to judgmental attitudes and man-centered religion. They have no real value at "stopping the indulgence of the flesh," however. This is because, while those spend time keeping out the Dos and Don'ts, the real roots of sin come right into the heart: lust, envy, pride, etc. In Christ, however, we have received everything we need to practice self-control. If we begin to follow the rules of the world for self-control, it leads us back into legalism and this man-centered philosophy.
Self-control is Gospel motivated. In 1 Corinthians 9:23-25, self-control is explained as flowing out of love for Christ because of everything he has done for us. As Christians, we not only submit all our desires, cravings, emotions, passions under the will of Christ, but also all the good things: work, relationships, leisure time, eating, exercise, etc.
How do we execute this in our daily lives? Ask the Lord to search our hearts and give us insight into where we have lost control. Then, we must be willing to repent, confess our sins, and be willing to submit those back under the control of Christ. Two things help us with this: the righteousness of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Proverbs 25:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
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COLOSSIANS 2:20-23 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV)20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
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1 CORINTHIANS 9:23-25 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV)23 I do it all for the sake
3/1/2020
Pastor Kent Bailey
Missions Conference
2 Kings 7:1-11 ESV
As terrible as circumstances in the world may be, we can be a people known for Good News. In 2 Kings, the situation in Israel was dire and chaotic. So to, the spiritual position our world faces is bleak. But God's solution for both them and us is the Gospel (Vs. 1-2). In as much as he could bring the good news of deliverance through the socially outcast lepers (Vs 3-11), he can bring the ultimate Good News through us; a message that has the power to transform lives. Will you step out in courage and share the Good News?
2 Kings 7:1-11 English Standard Version (ESV)Elisha Promises Food
7 But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah[a] of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel,[b] and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
The Syrians Flee
3 Now there were four men who were lepers[c] at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 8 And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them.
9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household.” 10 So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, “We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no one to be seen or heard there, nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were.” 11 Then the gatekeepers called out, and it was told within the king's household.
2/28/2020
Kent Bailey
Missions Conference
2 Kings 7:1-11 ESV
There is always bad news in the world. But in the Word of God, there is emphasis on Good News. The mission of every believer is to share the Good News of the Gospel to the world. As witnesses, we are to remain conscious of what God has done in and for us, clear in the hope or the Gospel message, compassionate toward other sinners, and courageous as we share what God has done in us.
2 Kings 7:1-11 English Standard Version (ESV)Elisha Promises Food
7 But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah[a] of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel,[b] and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
The Syrians Flee
3 Now there were four men who were lepers[c] at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 8 And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them.
9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household.” 10 So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, “We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no one to be seen or heard there, nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were.” 11 Then the gatekeepers called out, and it was told within the king's household.
2/23/2020
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The Art of Waiting"
Galatians 5:22-24; Psalm 40:1-3; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:15-17 ESV
Biblical patience refers to being slow to anger, emotionally calm in the face of provocation or misfortune, and facing such trials without complaint. It's both passive and active: remaining calm, while persevering in the midst of difficulty. how does God produce patience in our lives? Through the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us to endure, while also providing access to God, so we can seek his aid in the midst of tribulation.
Galatians 5:22-24 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Psalm 40:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV)
My Help and My Deliverer
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
Romans 5:3-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.[a] Amen.
2/9/20
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Fruit of the Spirit: Joy"
Galatians 5:22 ; Philippians 4:8; John 17:13-15 ESV
God has called you to joy; if, however, your life has no joy, there is disobedience in your walk. To live governed by the Holy Spirit, however, is a calling to joy. To find the Spirit's joy, we must have fellowship with God (John 17:13). In our daily lives, joy experienced through this fellowship extends to our thought life (Phil. 4:8). How can we apply this? Meditate on God's Word and the Gospel, listen to uplifting music, ask the Holy Spirit to expose and purify sin in your life, and spend time talking to God in prayer.
Galatians 5:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Philippians 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
John 17:13-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.[a]
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Fruit of the Spirit: Love"
Galatians 5:22-25 ESV
True love is from the Spirit and enables the heart to love God and others. Human love is centered on whatever pleases us in the moment, decays and deteriorates over time, and focuses on the very things which destroy us. God's love centers on what is righteous and pure, good, and filled with mercy and grace (1 John 1:5; 4:6). God's love is revealed in Jesus, who died for us while we were sinful and enemies of God. God's love is then expressed to us daily through the Holy Spirit, who is poured into us at the moment of salvation. How do we know we are really walking in the Spirit? And how can we truly love others, even those who are difficult? Love will grow as we saturate our minds with the Scripture, prayer, and meditate on all that God has done to express his love for us.
Galatians 5:22-25 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Adam Comeens
Luke 15:1-7 ESV
"A Savior Who Gives and Forgives"
Jesus interacted with people who were social outcasts because of their evident sin. If He had not done this, we would have no hope. To God, the one who is lost has so much value; God gives of Himself and forgives so those who are lost might be saved. If you feel convicted because of your judgmental attitude toward the lost, God offers you forgiveness. If you see yourself as socially outcast and lost in your sin, run to the throne of grace. God joyfully forgives both.
Luke 15:1-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Galatians 5:16-25 ESV
"Led by the Spirit"
A true Christian is one who not only has peace of conscience, but also a war within. In Galatians 5:16-18, Paul exhorts the church to walk in the Spirit; in other words, to submit, be governed by, and filled with the Holy Spirit daily. This allows believers to escape the controlling grasp of the flesh, which exerts its dominance when believers gratify its desires without repentance. But what are signs that one is walking in the Spirit versus the flesh? They are easily understood as falling into three categories: counterfeit love for others (e.g. sexual immorality, sensuality); counterfeit love of God (e.g. idolatry, sorcery); and counterfeit love of self (e.g. debauchery, envy). The fruits of the Spirit are equally evident: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How do we apply this? Don't grieve the Holy Spirit by allowing yourselves to be controlled by sin. When you sin (and you will), respond to the prompting of the Holy spirit and repent. If you realize you've been avoiding repentance for some time, recognize that you have been quenching the Holy Spirit, and may not be able to sense his leading as you once did. Don't allow shame to prevent you from running to the throne of grace. Repent and allow the Holy Spirit to bring you back into a right relationship with God.
Galatians 5:16-25 English Standard Version (ESV)Keep in Step with the Spirit
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[a] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[b] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The War Within You"
Galatians 5:16-18;25 ESV
True Freedom in Christ is living in daily dependence on God through the Holy Spirit. In Verses 16 and 25, Paul exhorts the Galatian believers to walk by the Spirit; in Vs. 17 he encourages the church to be led by the Spirit. In doing so, believers are able to be free from the law of sin and death. But how are we able to do this? By meditating on and reading God's Word, and by by talking with God through prayer: confessing sin, acknowledging our dependence, and asking for moment-by-moment direction.
Galatians 5:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)
Keep in Step with the Spirit
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law....25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Pastor Rusty Milton
Luke 2:22-34 ESV
Don't write your afflictions in stone while writing God's faithfulness in water. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw Christ. Simeon was righteous and devout, and he was waiting for the "Consoler" to come as promised. Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul, and that the child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel. When we hear the gospel, we either fall (reject Him), or rise (believe in Him). God does much deeper things in our hearts through trials and griefs than in prosperity. God would not be a good father if he never let us go through challenges. God loves us and always does what's best for us, even when sorrow pierces our hearts.
Consolation comes from Christ alone; Simeon took consolation from seeing the incarnation of God's son.To console means to alleviate grief. Our hearts outside Christ are inconsolable. What do you do with your griefs and disappointments? We want more and more things to assuage our griefs, but they cannot sustain satisfaction.
Luke 2:22-34 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus Presented at the Temple
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[a] depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
12/15/19
(Abbreviated sermon due to the Christmas Contata)
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Building the King's Highway"
Luke 3:1-18 ESV
God calls you away from self-glory to focusing on His glory. How do we do that? Repentance (Vs. 3,8), recognizing Christ as our savior (Vs. 15-17), and running to him.
Luke 3:1-18 English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,[a]
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics[b] is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.
12/8/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Christ Formed in You"
Galatians 4:12-20 ESV
Something is always influencing us, and we, in turn, influence others. If we are controlled by the self-centered beliefs of the world, we will seek to accomplish all our own desires and dominate others (Vs. 16-17). If, on the other hand, we are being lead by the mind and love of Christ, we will encourage others to be formed into the image of Christ (Vs. 12). Selfishness must be replaced by Godly love in your life. What is being formed in you?
Galatians 4:12-20 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 Brothers,[a] I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?[b] 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Pastor Caleb Galloway
Galatians 4:8-20 ESV
In what ways are you tempted to run toward either legalism or licentiousness after you are in Christ? In our culture, as in the cultures surrounding the Galatian church, emphasis is placed on self-centeredness, man-centered belief systems, and religion/deity being for the purpose of making mankind happy. But when we rest in our identities as sons and daughters of God as the primary starting place for happiness and joy, we find true freedom. How do we practically live this out in our lives? By embracing the truth about existence: we are weak and broken; without any merit; can add nothing to our salvation; yet are unconditionally accepted and loved by God, and are saved from our sins.
Galatians 4:8-20 English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12 Brothers,[a] I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?[b] 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Adopted into the Family of God"
Galatians 3:26-4:6 ESV
First and foremost, our identity is a child of God, adopted into his family. The chief way God has shown his glory is by adopting rebels into his family, regenerating their nature and giving them rights and privileges as true children of God. God gives rights as his children through what Christ has done: because Christ bore our debts, we have a new legal relationship with the Father and are free to be adopted. Through our adoption, God gives us the nature of his son and we can approach the Father in the same manner as the Son, directly and with confidence in his love for us. Do you view God from the perspective of an orphan, or the perspective of a child?
Galatians 3:26-4:7 English Standard Version (ESV)26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
Sons and Heirs
4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,[b] though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles[c] of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Law is a Servant of Grace"
Galatians 3:19-26 ESV
The function of Law and Grace in the Christian's life can sometimes be confusing. Paul addresses the church's perplexity in Galatians 3, where he explains that Law is the servant of Grace. Specifically, Law is the guardian and tutor, showing us the truth of our sin and helping us understand God's Grace in adopting us into His family and providing a Savior. Once our sins are covered in Grace, we are then able to (imperfectly) follow the Law in order to glorify God. To live this out in our daily lives, we must be careful not to fall back into legalism. To help us in this, we can ask ourselves: "What choices before me will be loving toward my Heavenly Father?" and "Will this bring joy to my Heavenly Father's heart?"
Galatians 3:19-26 English Standard Version (ESV)19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
In our sinful flesh, we often turn to works and our own ability to earn holiness and salvation in Christ. But Galatians 3:6-18 teaches the truth that our only hope for salvation is by faith alone through Christ alone. As righteousness is given to Abraham by grace, so it is given to you. Nothing is earned by your works. Verses 6-9 show that we receive the foundation of faith in Abraham. He simply believed God and followed by faith. The gospel of redemption was shown to him - that salvation is for all nations, both the Jews and the Gentiles. In verses 10-14, we learn that we can reject our ability to keep the law. God’s law is so expansive and our sin is so strong that we can never keep it. Even when we may think we can, Jesus shows in Matthew 5:21-22 that there are sins of the heart that take the law to a deeper level. Praise God that Christ became a curse for us (v13) and that we receive the blessing in the Spirit (v14). Verses 15-18 show us that we can rest in the promise given to Abraham. The covenant made was for all nations through him. There is nothing we can earn or add to the substitutionary death of Christ. The Spirit can strengthen us in the gospel by reminding us of this truth that we never earn favor with God by our actions but can rest in the completed work of Christ on our behalf. We are blessed to be a blessing to others (Ps67). May we go, strengthened by the gospel to do this.
Galatians 3:6-18
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."
9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."
12 But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them."
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us-for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified.
16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to off springs," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ.
17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void.
18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
11/3/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Bewitched Believers"
Galatians 3:1-5 ESV
In Galatians 3, Paul reprimands the church for receiving the Spirit (and even partaking in miracles) by faith, yet nevertheless turning back to religious practices for certainty of salvation. Like the church in Galatia, we often turn back to religious observance as a means to feel secure in our salvation. But Paul's message is clear: we grow in Christ the same way we began--in faith. We enter Christianity by hearing the Gospel and responding by repenting through faith (Vs. 1-2), and grow spiritually through the daily application of the Gospel to our lives through faith (vs. 3). Have you looked to other things to complete you and make you feel like God accepts you and completes you?
Galatians 3:1-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
By Faith, or by Works of the Law?
3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? 4 Did you suffer[b] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
Pastor Rusty milton
"The Magna Carta of Christian Freedom"
Galatians 2:15-21 ESV
Christianity is not about what you've done for God, but what God has done for you. Many Christians believe God's love is conditional depending on how they are doing. In Galatians, however, Paul holds out the two arms of faith to combat this tendency: resting and receiving. Resting in Christ, and receiving him as our Lord and King--to rule and reign in our lives in as much as his work atones for our own sins. By faith, we rest in Christ for justification and sanctification. In other words, we know that his works, not ours, erase our sins (vs. 16), and that he accomplishes our sanctification--our daily fight against sin and transformation into the likeness of Christ (Vs. 20). How then should we live? We should live each day in the full knowledge that our flesh is crucified through moment by moment decisions to put the flesh to death, and walk in the Spirit. Flee to Christ in prayer for grace and strength. Flee to his Word to fill your mind. Put your faith in Christ, knowing he justifies you. Keep fighting through the power of the Spirit.
Galatians 2:15-21 English Standard Version (ESV)
Justified by Faith
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified[a] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[b] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Out of step with the Gospel"
Galatians 2:11- 15 ESV
We cannot live in line with the gospel unless we understand God's provision for salvation. Living under the law makes us more fearful of the sin around us than the sin in us. This leads us to become a mass of pride, self righteousness, judgmental attitudes, and fear. This fear naturally leads us to hypocrisy because our focus becomes how others perceive us. But the gospel brings freedom from The fear of man because the focus is solely on what Christ has done and nothing to do with our own ability or inability to keep the law.
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Justified by Faith
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;
Adam Commeens
"The Peace of God Through the Providence of God"
Exodus 1:8-14; 2:23-25; 3:1-10 ESV
Biblical peace is the confidence and security which comes from knowing that God will work things out for our good; there is, therefore, no peace without the presence of God. More specifically, it is trust in God's providence which strengthens our faith while producing peace within our hearts, minds, and souls. But what is God's providence? It is his power displayed through sovereignty over every detail of the universe. And we see his providence in the fulfillment of his promises all throughout the Bible, and specifically in his faithfulness to his promises made to Israel throughout Exodus. How can we apply this to our lives, then? We all face problems which shake our peace. Remind yourself that God comes to you in the midst of those trials, and draw near to him. It is only there that you will find a peace which transcends understanding.
Exodus 1:1-14 English Standard Version (ESV)
Israel Increases Greatly in Egypt
1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Pharaoh Oppresses Israel
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.
Exodus 2:23-25 English Standard Version (ESV)God Hears Israel's Groaning
23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
Exodus 3:1-10 English Standard Version (ESV)The Burning Bush
3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The Unadulterated Gospel"
Galatians 2:1-10 ESV
The true Gospel calls us to relinquish control of our lives, and of our ability to save ourselves. Salvation is a gift; it's not earned. What should our response be? To listen and respond to the teaching of the Gospel, and to allow the truth to saturate our thoughts.
Galatians 2:1-10 (ESV)Paul Accepted by the Apostles
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Not Man-Pleasing, but What God Was Please to Do"
Galatians 1:11-24 ESV
Do you yearn for the approval of those around you, but feel overwhelmed with the fear of rejection ? To follow Christ is to be free from the slavery of man-pleasing. Paul addresses this notion in Galatians 1, declaring that his message is focused not on pleasing those in the church, but on spreading the Gospel of Christ. And the Gospel fundamentally focuses on what God was pleased to do for mankind, not on what will please mankind. Let the spreading of the Gospel be your guide for how you should act toward others. If we are focused on Christ as our audience, then the fear of men will decrease.
Galatians 1:11-24 English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul Called by God
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.[a] 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born,[b] and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to[c] me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;[d] 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Grace for the Hard Boiled Sinners"
Galatians 1:1-10 ESV
God calls us in Gospel-grace. God gives us his righteousness through Christ, not through any of our own righteousness. The world calls us to a different "gospel," one which emphasizes political, ceremonial, or legal righteousness, and is human-centric. The true gospel, however, is focused solely on Christ and Christ alone--seeking neither to add nor take away anything. Where do you find your righteousness?
Galatians 1:1-10 English Standard Version (ESV)Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers[a] who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant[b] of Christ.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Repairing Our Strength and Restoring Our Condition"
Isaiah 65 ESV
When Jesus returns to make all things new, all the effects of the curse will be reversed. Our hearts and minds will be renewed to the degree that we will no longer dwell on the struggles of life. We will rejoice and be glad in all that God creates (Vs 18), because the effects of sin and misery are gone, and God will participate in our joy. Our bodies will be revived and will be primed to enjoy the works of our hands (Vs. 20-23). The relational intimacy we long for will be found in Christ, and all we long for in this world will be fulfilled in Christ at his return.
Isaiah 65-66 English Standard Version (ESV)Judgment and Salvation
65 I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me;
I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.
I said, “Here I am, here I am,”
to a nation that was not called by[a] my name.
2 I spread out my hands all the day
to a rebellious people,
who walk in a way that is not good,
following their own devices;
3 a people who provoke me
to my face continually,
sacrificing in gardens
and making offerings on bricks;
4 who sit in tombs,
and spend the night in secret places;
who eat pig's flesh,
and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels;
5 who say, “Keep to yourself,
do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.”
These are a smoke in my nostrils,
a fire that burns all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before me:
“I will not keep silent, but I will repay;
I will indeed repay into their lap
7 both your iniquities and your fathers' iniquities together,
says the Lord;
because they made offerings on the mountains
and insulted me on the hills,
I will measure into their lap
payment for their former deeds.”[b]
8 Thus says the Lord:
“As the new wine is found in the cluster,
and they say, ‘Do not destroy it,
for there is a blessing in it,’
so I will do for my servants' sake,
and not destroy them all.
9 I will bring forth offspring from Jacob,
and from Judah possessors of my mountains;
my chosen shall possess it,
and my servants shall dwell there.
10 Sharon shall become a pasture for flocks,
and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down,
for my people who have sought me.
11 But you who forsake the Lord,
who forget my holy mountain,
who set a table for Fortune
and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny,
12 I will destine you to the sword,
and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter,
because, when I called, you did not answer;
when I spoke, you did not listen,
but you did what was evil in my eyes
and chose what I did not delight in.”
13 Therefore thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, my servants shall eat,
but you shall be hungry;
behold, my servants shall drink,
but you shall be thirsty;
behold, my servants shall rejoice,
but you shall be put to shame;
14 behold, my servants shall sing for gladness of heart,
but you shall cry out for pain of heart
and shall wail for breaking of spirit.
15 You shall leave your name to my chosen for a curse,
and the Lord God will put you to death,
but his servants he will call by anoth
8/18/2019
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"The Rescuer King"
Isaiah 61 ESV
Jesus was sent to redeem us so we could enter into the joy of fellowship with him forever. In Isaiah 61, the prophet speaks of the coming Messiah and his mission to bring total salvation to God's people by leading the redeemed in power, bringing good news to the poor and afflicted, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty, comforting those who mourn, and proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor. In response, rejoicing and fruit will pour out of our grateful hearts.
Isaiah 61 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Year of the Lord's Favor
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;[a]
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;[b]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.[c]
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;
foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;
6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
they shall have everlasting joy.
8 For I the Lord love justice;
I hate robbery and wrong;[d]
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,
and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge them,
that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
8/11/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"When Christ Reigns, Everything Gets Better"
Isaiah 60 ESV
When Christ reigns, everything gets better. In Isaiah 60, the prophet foretells of a time when God brings redemption and justice to the world. During this time, Christ's glory will rest upon the church (Vs. 1-2), draw the nations out of darkness (Vs. 8), and be sufficient to satisfy our every need (Vs. 20). When this time commences, the church will finally be transformed to be like Jesus, and our days of mourning will be ended. All things will be set aright and redeemed.
Isaiah 60 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Future Glory of Israel
60 Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
3 And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from afar,
and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and exult,[a]
because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you;
the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;
they shall come up with acceptance on my altar,
and I will beautify my beautiful house.
8 Who are these that fly like a cloud,
and like doves to their windows?
9 For the coastlands shall hope for me,
the ships of Tarshish first,
to bring your children from afar,
their silver and gold with them,
for the name of the Lord your God,
and for the Holy One of Israel,
because he has made you beautiful.
10 Foreigners shall build up your walls,
and their kings shall minister to you;
for in my wrath I struck you,
but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
11 Your gates shall be open continually;
day and night they shall not be shut,
that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations,
with their kings led in procession.
12 For the nation and kingdom
that will not serve you shall perish;
those nations shall be utterly laid waste.
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you,
the cypress, the plane, and the pine,
to beautify the place of my sanctuary,
and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
14 The sons of those who afflicted you
shall come bending low to you,
and all who despised you
shall bow down at your feet;
they shall call you the City of the Lord,
the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated,
with no one passing through,
I will make you majestic forever,
a joy from age to age.
16 You shall suck the milk of nations;
you shall nurse at the breast of kings;
and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior
and your Redeemer, the
8/4/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Grieving or Gracious Words"
Ephesians 4:25-30
Our words must not give grief, but grace to those who hear. In Ephesians 4, Paul warns the church of Ephesus that unwholesome talk grieves the Holy Spirit. This grief rebounds onto us, blinding our eyes and deafening our ears to the Spirit. Likewise, he exhorts the church to speak words which give grace to those who hear (Vs 29)--building them up and meeting their needs. To be in a position to do this, we must be intimately involved in the lives of others: knowing their needs, listening to them, and making ourselves known to them as well.
Ephesians 4:25-30 English Standard Version (ESV)
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Will Keyton
"Theistic Evolution"
Romans 5:12-21
Science and religion are not opposed, but culture presents them as such. Because of this, origin of life studies are often couched solely in materialistic terms, or deceptively combined with theism. The latter is a white-washed, tomb, however. The core issue for any believer when addressing theistic evolution is whether or not scripture is trustworthy or not. If the Biblical account of creation was addressed in one part of the scriptures alone, ambiguity could be allowed. But over and over again, the Genesis account of creation is attested to by authoritative authors throughout scripture, including Jesus. Among others, we see the support of the creation account in Romans 5, Exodus 20, and Matthew 19. One's stance of origins of life is a watershed which will lead one far away from the truth, or nearer to a right perspective on reality.
Romans 5:12-21 English Standard Version (ESV)Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[a] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
18 Therefore, as one trespass[b] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[c] leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 58 ESV
In a culture that is constantly telling us that happiness comes from having more and doing more, the message of Isaiah 58 stands out as it teaches that less is ultimately more. God is calling us to have margins in our lives so that we may develop a deeper love for him (v.6) and compassionate love for our neighbor. (v.7) In this passage God identifies two ways in which Israel has false piety - fasting (v.1-5) and their treatment of the Sabbath (v.13). These two practices are for our good. As we fast, we step aside from our every day to “break the bonds of wickedness (v.6) and “share bread with the hungry (v.7), creating margins for godliness. The same is true as God shifts from talking of fasting to feasting in the section on the Sabbath (v. 13-14). This day of rest gives us margins in our lives to focus on God, rest, and mercy. How can you experience these blessings in your own life? Do you see God as a genie in a bottle? Does your character match your creed? Put down your idols of deeds as God was calling the Israelites to do and worship God as he commands. This true worship bring freedom and rest in the redemptive work of our compassionate God.
True and False Fasting
58 “Cry aloud; do not hold back;
lift up your voice like a trumpet;
declare to my people their transgression,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek me daily
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that did righteousness
and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments;
they delight to draw near to God.
3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,[a]
and oppress all your workers.
4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to hit with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
will not make your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed[b] go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you s
Pastor Rusty milton
1 Samuel 25:1-13
God often interrupts and intercedes for us when we are on the road to folly. In 1 Samuel 25, we see two characters juxtaposed by the choices they make: one foolish, and the other wise. In Verses 1-3, we see Nabal, who, due to his greed, refuses to help David in his time of need. In comparison, in verse 14, we see his wife, Abigail, innocent of her husband's folly, but taking the guilt on herself and interceding for her husband, despite his lack of contrition. God, like Abigail, intercedes for us and shows us grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit, through Christian families, through providential protection, and through his Word.
David and Abigail
Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 2 And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite.4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 5 So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. 6 And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 7 I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’”
9 When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited.10 And Nabal answered David's servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. 11 Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” 12 So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this. 13 And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.
14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. 15 Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. 16 They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17 Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.”
18 Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs[a] of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her young men, “Go on before me; behold, I come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. 20 And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. 21 Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. 22 God do so to the enemies of David[
7/7/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Evil Spirits"
2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 2: 14-15
Throughout history, the Church has taken 2 approaches to demons: to "see" them behind every bad thing that might happen, or to conversely rationalize them away as a relic belief, rooted in the ancients' misunderstanding of mental illness. As believers, how should we understand demons? Neither extreme satisfies the Biblical portrayal of evil spirits, which presents demons as fallen, sinful angels who gave up their position of heavenly authority because they desired more power, and who remain at work in the world until God's judgment in the last days (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Ephesians 6:12). Moreover, according to Revelation 12:7 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3, they have objectives: to stir up people within the church who will promote a false gospel portraying the redemptive work of Christ as insufficient (cf. Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 6:12). It is clear, however, that despite the present work of evil spirits to spread deception and dissension, Jesus' work on the cross dealt a death blow to Satan and his demons, whose primary power is found in sin, guilt, fear, and condemnation (Hebrews 2:14-15). If, therefore, you are a believer, don't forget that you are free from the fear of evil spirits. Even death is no longer fearful because we no are no longer under Divine judgment. Christ reigns over all things, and we have a promise that God is faithful to protect us from the power of sin.
2 Peter 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell[a] and committed them to chains[b] of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
Jude 6 English Standard Version (ESV)
6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—
1 Timothy 4:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Ephesians 2:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV)
2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b]
Ephesians 6:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Hebrews 2:14-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong sla
6/23/19
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Longing for Shalom"
Isaiah 57:1-21 ESV
True Shalom is found only by seeking the heart of God. Seeking holiness leads to finding wholeness. In Isaiah 57, God chides Israel for looking for peace in the wrong places, and urges them to return to him, the only source of peace. Their idolatry was rooted unbelief, worldliness, desertion of God, dark and sinful practices, and scorning the righteous (Vs. 3-13). If we find ourselves longing for a peace that seems out of reach, we should allow God to pinpoint our own idols and addictions and return to God through confession. Even in our idolatry, he never gives up on pursuing us. (Vs. 18-19)
Israel’s Futile Idolatry
57 The righteous man perishes,
and no one lays it to heart;
rdevout men are taken away,
while no one understands.
For the righteous man is taken away from calamity;
2 she enters into peace;
they rest tin their beds
who walk in their uprightness.
3 But you, draw near,
sons of the sorceress,
uoffspring of the adulterer and the loose woman.
4 Whom are you mocking?
Against whom vdo you open your mouth wide
and stick out your tongue?
Are you not children of wtransgression,
xthe offspring of deceit,
5 you who burn with lust among ythe oaks,1
under every green tree,
zwho slaughter your children in the valleys,
under the clefts of the rocks?
6 Among the smooth stones of athe valley is your portion;
they, they, are your lot;
to them you have poured out a drink offering,
you have brought a grain offering.
Shall I relent for these things?
7 bOn a high and lofty mountain
you have set your bed,
and there you went up to offer sacrifice.
8 Behind the door and the doorpost
you have set up your memorial;
for, deserting me, cyou have uncovered your bed,
you have gone up to it,
dyou have made it wide;
and you have made a covenant for yourself with them,
you have loved their bed,
you have looked on nakedness.2
9 You journeyed to the king with oil
and multiplied your perfumes;
eyou sent your envoys far off,
and sent down even to Sheol.
10 You were wearied with the length of your way,
fbut you did not say, “It is hopeless”;
you found new life for your strength,
and so you were not faint.3
6/16/2019
Reverend Andrew Devries (you'll need to check the spelling of his name)
1 John 2:28-3:3 ESV
We all live within imperfect families with imperfect, sinful fathers, which can cause us to yearn for something better. Our heavenly Father's love is perfect, however. He not only gives us forgiveness and mercy, but also adopts us into his family. This should impact our self-worth and our security: being coheirs with Christ means we are forever accepted and secure in God's love.
1 John 2:28-3:3 English Standard Version (ESV)Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears[a] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
4/28/2019
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Following in the Footsteps of the King."
Matthew 16:21-28 ESV
Jesus' mission was to die to his comfort and self-glory. In Matthew 16, we see Jesus going beyond simply predicting his death and resurrection, but declaring that it was the foreordained reason he came to earth. Likewise, our mission is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and push through suffering. In our lives as Christians, we will experience passive suffering (disease, death, grief, and daily challenges) and active suffering (trials born of decisions to die to self: rejection, loss of life and time, resisting temptations, martyrdom). But, by dying to self, like Jesus, we gain life (Vs. 26-27).
Matthew 16:21-28 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord![a]This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance[b] to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Pastor Caleb Galloway
"Obeying God's Obedient Servant"
Isaiah 50:1-11 ESV
In Isaiah 50, God challenges Israel to recognize that their distance from him was due to their sin and unfaithfulness. In contrast, he foretells of the Messiah, who will come as an obedient servant. Rather than self-centered and iniquitous, like Israel, the servant is portrayed as attentive to God the Father, listening to his instruction, and obeying his mission to build up the broken and weary with compassion and mercy (vs. 4). Beyond this, he is also shown to be steadfast in the face of adversity and suffering (vs 5-6), relying on his Heavenly Father and filled with perfection and righteousness (vs. 7). Like Christ, we are empowered to obey by learning from the scriptures, and pursuing God through adversity.
Isaiah 50 English Standard Version (ESV)Israel's Sin and the Servant's Obedience
50 Thus says the Lord:
“Where is your mother's certificate of divorce,
with which I sent her away?
Or which of my creditors is it
to whom I have sold you?
Behold, for your iniquities you were sold,
and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2 Why, when I came, was there no man;
why, when I called, was there no one to answer?
Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?
Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a desert;
their fish stink for lack of water
and die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness
and make sackcloth their covering.”
4 The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious;
I turned not backward.
6 I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
from disgrace and spitting.
7 But the Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
9 Behold, the Lord God helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
10 Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the voice of his servant?
Let him who walks in darkness
and has no light
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on his God.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
who equip yourselves with burning torches!
Walk by the light of your fire,
and by the torches that you have kindled!
This you have from my hand:
you shall lie down in torment.
3/24/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Suffering Servant, Part 2"
Isaiah 49:1-7 ESV
In Isaiah 49, the prophet foretells Israel's national unbelief in the face of their Messiah's ministry. Despite this, however, God the Father assures his "suffering servant" that he will redeem not only many in Israel, but many from the nations of the world as the fruition of his ministry. In a smaller way, many believers share in the struggle Christ faced when we see the fruits of our ministries on earth seem to fail. But like Christ, we must trust that the results or our labors are in God's hands. When discouraged, we should not smother our troubles or feelings, but should pour out our hearts to God. Moreover, we should exhort ourselves to not be controlled or overwhelmed by our grief, but should fix our hearts on God and his ability to reap the harvest of His ministry through our lives.
Isaiah 49:1-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Servant of the Lord
49 Listen to me, O coastlands,
and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb,
from the body of my mother he named my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”[a]
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my right is with the Lord,
and my recompense with my God.”
5 And now the Lord says,
he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him;
and that Israel might be gathered to him—
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
6 he says:
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
I will make you as a light for the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation,
the servant of rulers:
“Kings shall see and arise;
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves;
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
3/17/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Peace in Anxious Times"
Philippians 4:2-7 ESV
Peace comes when you look at very situation in life as being under God's sovereignty. In Philippians 4, Paul exhorts believers in the church to reconcile following conflict. Whatever the reason, dissension had sprung up in the Philippian church, and was robbing the believers of peace and unity (vs. 2) No matter how mature we may be, it's always possible for believers to lose the peace of the Gospel through sin. Reconciliation, however, is available when, rather than focusing on our pride, we focus on rejoicing in the Lord for the salvation available to us through Christ, and when we present our requests for reconciliation to God in faith (vs. 6-7). Anxiety will lead the best of people to simple sinful complacency, but persistent petitions to God will lead to the peace of Christ. As a body of believers, we must focus on repentance and humility before we seek unity.
Philippians 4:2-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[a] help these women, who have labored[b]side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[c] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2/17/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
2 Corinthians 4 ESV
"Beholding the Glory of Christ, Part 2"
Any comfort for present trials, and all future blessing, come from fixing our minds on the glory of Christ. In the present, we view Christ by faith. In II Corinthians 4:3,6, Paul explains how the first work of the Spirit is to shine light and truth into our hearts, thus allowing us to see and understand who Jesus is. The second work of the Spirit will be to transform us into the likeness of Christ in eternity, thus enabling us to view Christ by sight as he truly is. Faith, therefore, is a prerequisite to sight. And we will not know Christ more until we commit to knowing Christ intimately.
2 Corinthians 4 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Light of the Gospel
4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God,[a] we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice[b] cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[d] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Beholding the Glory of Christ, Pt. 1"
2 Corinthians 3:14-18 ESV
How do we grow spiritually? How do we have everlasting joy? It's by exposing ourselves to God's glory. His glory--his nature and greatness-- is revealed through Jesus. The believer's greatest need, therefore, is to see, experience, know, and enjoy his glory, because it is THE mechanism of change in our lives. In 2 Corinthians, Paul teaches the church that, although mankind is lost, and God's glory is veiled in darkness (Vs. 14-15), he reveals his glory through and within Jesus. Knowing Jesus, and by extension, the glory of God through him, our lives will be transformed (Vs. 18). How can we practice this in a practical way? Meditate on God's word, immerse ourselves in prayer, fellowship with other believers, listen to the teaching of his Word.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)
16 But when one[a] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[c] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2/3/2019
Pastor Rusty Milton
"God's Commitment to His Own Glory"
Isaiah 48 ESV
God's commitment to himself and his glory is our greatest assurance that he will also be committed to us. When Israel rebelled for years, there was on hope: that God's name was still upon them as promised in the covenants of Israel. In Isaiah 48, we see God portrayed as eager to defer his anger and show grace because of these covenant promises (Vs. 9-11). Through the prophet, God also shows how following his commandments will not only bring glory to himself, but will also produce freedom and blessings of peace for his people (Vs. 17-19). In light of this, we should view God's pursuit of his own glory as being for our good as well, and should obey his commands out of love and joy, and should willingly follow the direction he places on our lives.
Isaiah 48 English Standard Version (ESV)
Israel Refined for God's Glory
48 Hear this, O house of Jacob,
who are called by the name of Israel,
and who came from the waters of Judah,
who swear by the name of the Lord
and confess the God of Israel,
but not in truth or right.
2 For they call themselves after the holy city,
and stay themselves on the God of Israel;
the Lord of hosts is his name.
3 “The former things I declared of old;
they went out from my mouth, and I announced them;
then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass.
4 Because I know that you are obstinate,
and your neck is an iron sinew
and your forehead brass,
5 I declared them to you from of old,
before they came to pass I announced them to you,
lest you should say, ‘My idol did them,
my carved image and my metal image commanded them.’
6 “You have heard; now see all this;
and will you not declare it?
From this time forth I announce to you new things,
hidden things that you have not known.
7 They are created now, not long ago;
before today you have never heard of them,
lest you should say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’
8 You have never heard, you have never known,
from of old your ear has not been opened.
For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously,
and that from before birth you were called a rebel.
9 “For my name's sake I defer my anger;
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,
that I may not cut you off.
10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried[a] you in the furnace of affliction.
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it,
for how should my name[b] be profaned?
My glory I will not give to another.
The Lord's Call to Israel
12 “Listen to me, O Jacob,
and Israel, whom I called!
I am he; I am the first,
and I am the last.
13 My hand laid the foundation of the earth,
and my right hand spread out the heavens;
when I call to them,
they stand forth together.
14 “Assemble, all of you, and listen!
Who among them has declared these things?
The Lord loves him;
he shall perform his purpose on Babylon,
and his arm shall be against the Chaldeans.
15 I, even I, have spoken and called him;
I have brought him, and he will prosper in his way
1/27/19
Pastor Caleb Galloway
Isaiah 46
"The Folly of Idolatry"
An idol is something that gives us great delight (above God) from which we derive significance and without which we have frustration and despair. It is worshiping the created rather than the Creator. Idols are counterfeit gods-- they promise much but cannot deliver. God calls us to repent of idolatry and to gaze at the person of Jesus Christ.
Idols can be ideas as well as objects. Idolatry is costly and burdensome. A sign of idolatry is inordinate anger, discouragement and despair; when we lose the thing we idolize, we are devastated. Common idols are approval, success, significance.
How do we reject idols? We cannot merely turn from them; we must turn to Jesus-- otherwise, it's just an external, temporary solution, because we will end up replacing our current idol with another.
God carries His people, saves His people, and calls them back to Himself-- out of idolatry and into worship of Himself.
1/20/19
Pastor Rusty Milton
Isaiah 45:7-13
"The Invisible Hand of God"
God's purpose is to bring righteousness and redemption in everything He does. Providence means His Fatherly hand of God over His Creation. We shrink and belittle God when we attribute suffering to bad luck, karma, or mother nature.
This passage from Isaiah reveals God's declaration of His Sovereignty and Providence. God brings light and well-being, as well as darkness and calamity. How is God sovereign over evil, yet never the source of evil or sin? Because of the principle of concurrence: God's providence works through humanity & nature, but never as the Author of sin or evil. So, God is sovereign, and we have freedom, but it is not absolute or unlimited freedom. The Power of God is the first cause of everything, and our freedom is the second cause. The cardinal point of Providence is that God is for His people, always on the side of righteousness, no matter the circumstances.
Thus, we must decide how to respond: God is the Potter, we are his clay. It is wrong for the clay to complain about the Potter, but it is right to come to Him with our troubles and questions. It is the difference between commanding Him (coming in judgment of Him) versus coming to Him as a child and asking with honesty and humility (coming with reverence).
God is a Master Potter, and in the midst of suffering, His intentions are for righteousness. The Potter has entered the suffering of his clay. One day, all the effects of sin will be destroyed.
1/6/2019
"On the Road to Full Joy"
Pastor Rusty Milton
John 15:8-5
Full joy is found in full pursuit of glorifying God and bearing much fruit. The fruit we bear shows the character of Christ: love, joy, peace. Because it is from his character, its growth and manifestation comes from constant contact with Christ (Vs. 8). We must also abide in Christ's love by being faithful and keeping his commands, preparing for his return, and pursuing joy through communion with him (vs.9).
John 15:5-8 English Standard Version (ESV)
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
12/24/2018
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Magnifying God with Joyful Worship"
Luke 1:46-49 ESV
The chief purpose of Christ was to bring Good News to a world who was separated from him by its sin. He offers peace at his own expense--an eternal peace treaty with God paid for by the atoning death and resurrection of Christ. When we are saved, our position goes from rebel to a child of God--pleasing and acceptable to him as coheirs with Christ. Today, if you hear his voice, listen and follow the law of love written on your heart, and the Holy Spirit will empower you to obey God.
Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
12/24/2018
Pastor Rusty Milton
"Magnifying God with Joyful Worship"
Luke 1:46-49 ESV
The chief purpose of Christ was to bring Good News to a world who was separated from him by its sin. He offers peace at his own expense--an eternal peace treaty with God paid for by the atoning death and resurrection of Christ. When we are saved, our position goes from rebel to a child of God--pleasing and acceptable to him as coheirs with Christ. Today, if you hear his voice, listen and follow the law of love written on your heart, and the Holy Spirit will empower you to obey God.
Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Good Shepherd, Part 1: The Gate of Grace"
John 10 ESV
In John 10, Jesus confronts the pharisees' belief that they were the gatekeepers of salvation. He undermines their presumption by declaring himself to not be the gatekeeper, but the gate itself. He is the only gate of saving grace opened by the Father. Furthermore, rather than the judgmental, discriminating postures of the pharisees, Jesus presents himself as allowing anyone to enter. All are invited--regardless of race, social position, education, or history--to enter Heaven through Jesus. he is the only Way. The message for us is the same: we are not our own shepherd, nor can we, in ourselves, open the way to the Father. We must look to Jesus as the path to salvation.
John 10 (ESV)I Am the Good Shepherd
10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”