Fourth Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
When we study the names of God, we must understand that they describe His character. Since the names of God declare His attributes, we are not surprised that the revelation of God's wisdom and grace in Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son brings with it another of God's names: Jehovah Jireh, which means "the Lord will provide." Genesis 22 records the greatest test that Abraham ever faced. It also presents a beautiful picture of our Lord's sacrifice at Calvary. God tested Abraham's faith.
Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us. - Psalm 123:1-2
During a time of political turmoil and hatred for the state, Paul wrote to the Roman believers about God and government. Paul penned the clearest and most specific Bible teaching on the Christian's response to and responsibility toward civil authority.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is what gives believers hope for this life and the next. Because of the resurrection, we give praise to God.
Paul presents four proofs that Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ does not violate God's promised purpose and plan for the Jews, but rather affirms it.
Matthew's gospel was written to make the case that Jesus Christ was the prophesied Messiah and King. Toward that end, Matthew presented Jesus' genealogy and virgin birth to prove that He was rightfully eligible to be the King!
Some might say, "Since we are saved by grace, we are free from the Law to do as we please." That is the extreme of license or libertinism. Others might say, "We must live under the Law to please God." That is the extreme of legalism. In Romans 6, Paul answered the first. In Romans 7, he addresses the second.
The Christian life is described in terms of death and life. We were once dead in sins (Eph 2:1, 5; Col 2:13) but are now dead to sin (Rom 6:2; 1 Pet 2:24). In salvation, we are raised with and made alive in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:1, 5; Col 2:12-13; 1 Cor 15:22). Therefore, we should walk in newness of life!
The Old Testament priesthood informs us about both the importance and the activity of our New Testament priesthood.
Job asked the most important question that has ever been asked: "How can a man be righteous before God?" (Job 9:2). The answer is that the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ can be imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ!
After destroying any false spiritual security that the Jews would claim from their heritage, their law, or their circumcision (2:17-29), Paul answers the obvious objections by affirming the goodness of God.
After demonstrating that everyone (Gentile or Jew, wicked or moral) will be brought before God's righteous judgment, Paul now turns his focus exclusively on the Jews and destroys any false sense of spiritual security they might have.
People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care; therefore, it is as if Paul writes, "Before I show you my theology, I want to show you myself."
Paul used an ordinary situation to teach a most extraordinary theological truth: Jesus is proof that the promises of God are sure!
As part of His "Upper Room Discourse," Jesus taught His disciples that times of trouble are times for trust. When we are troubled, we can trust Jesus' person and promises in order to know His peace.
Proverbs 3:5-6 may be so familiar that its command no longer compels us and its promise is no longer precious to us.
If we were sure of God's promise to hear and answer our prayers, perhaps we would pray more often.
God is faithful to us when we are faced with temptation and when we fail in that temptation!
Peter's words in 2 Peter 2:1-13 not only rebuke the scoffer for his question, but also reassure the believer in his doubt.
The security of our salvation is fixed; however, the assurance of our salvation is a feeling that sometimes leaves us forgetful of what God has done. It is then God's promises that keep us from stumbling!
A godly man is marked by what he flees from, follows after, fights for, and is faithful to. A godly man is motivated by the person of God Himself -- the power, promise, blessedness, sovereignty, immortality, and radiance of God.
The love of money does not bring true gain, is only a temporal matter, destroys contentment, sets a trap, results in ruin, and is a source of evil. The biblical use of money is to invest in eternity.
Just as scientists study the pathology of physical disease in order to better address the disease, we must spiritually discern and diagnose deviations from truth, ie, diseases of doctrine.
We sometimes think in terms of "secular" and "sacred"; however, for the believer, all work is a sacred service. Whether we eat, or drink, or whatever we do, we do it as to the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17).
1 Timothy 5 addresses the treatment of one another in the family of God: - older and younger men and women (vv 1-2) - widows who have need (vv 3-16) - church elders (vv 17-25)
God's special care for widows is a recurring theme in Scripture (Deut 14:29; Ps 94:6; Mal 3:5). God issued special instruction for the care and protection of widows in the Old Testament (Deut 10:18; 24:17; Is 1:17). Similarly, in the New Testament, God has given the church a responsibility to care for widows in need (1 Tim 5:3-16; James 1:27).
Paul instructs us as the family of God, explaining how we must act, react, and interact among one another in the local church.
History is replete with examples of those who abandoned the faith. By God's grace, we will hold fast.
Selfless love is crucial and should be the motivation behind everything the church does.
Moses was at risk of wearing himself out; in today's vernacular, we might say he was high risk for burnout.
God graced His Church with women like Priscilla, Lois, Eunice, Phoebe, Lydia, and many others (Romans 16) who are great examples of fellow-laborers in ministry.
When ordering and arranging our conduct in the church, first of all we out to pray ... as we ought.
Saul was the greatest enemy of the cause of Christ; however, when confronted by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, his name was changed to Paul and his life was transformed. Paul experienced the total transformation of a sinner saved by God's grace.
While there were grave consequences to Israel's complaining, God demonstrated amazing grace toward His people.
It is good to be in need, for then we can experience God's provision, appreciate God's glory, and know God's Messiah.
1 Timothy gives us God's guidelines for order in God's house, but before Paull addresses any practical matters, he targets the theological issues -- first things first.
An Idolatry Test: - An idolatry-free Christian heart is guarded by contentment, flowing from commitment - An idolatry-free Christian heart is guarded by sacrifice, flowing from contentment 3 benefits to those who pass the idolatry test: - eternal fruit v17 - God's faithful provision of earthly needs v19 - ultimate glory and fulfillment of God-given purpose for life v20
As we begin a new year full of hopes and dreams and ambitions and aspirations and good intentions, we must take heed to HOW we build, lest we lean or even topple to our own destruction.
The four themes of Advent are hope, peace, joy, and love. The greatest of these is love.
If the matters of salvation and sanctification are attained by human effort, there is good reason for man to boast in himself. But if the matters of salvation and sanctification are attained by Jesus Christ's work on the cross, then man can only boast in Jesus Christ and the cross.
Without the Spirit of God, we cannot live for the Lord as we ought to live. Just as salvation is a divine work, so also is sanctification. Our responsibility is to walk in the Spirit. See Fruit of the Spirit study - Summer 2017
Paul writes a disclaimer to warn us that abusing or misusing our Christian liberty would bring bondage.
Galatians 4:12 marks a change in Paul's tone, and Galatians 4:12-20 include the most warm and personal words of this letter. Paul is no longer writing as a scholar or a theologian. Paul is no longer presenting arguments as an apostle. Paul is no longer charging the Galatians or condemning them for their wrong. Paul is making a heartfelt appeal to them as his friends.
When you find yourself in a place of desertion and desperation, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, and then move forward in obedience at His direction. If God's direction makes no sense, trust that His mighty hand is at work.
Paul pictures one growing from childhood to adulthood and compares that picture to one growing from servitude (law) to sonship (liberty).
Paul anticipates and answer the Judaizers' next objection- -Even if Abraham was justified by faith alone -Gal. 3-6-, when God gave the law to Moses, the basis of salvation changed, for the law through Moses replaced the promise through Abraham.-
What did the Passover plague mean to the Egyptians-- to the Israelites-- to NT Christians--
Paul had to play defense against his own team, tackling the issue of justification by faith alone, for the Galatians were foolishly running the wrong way-
FBC Youth Group Mission Statement--We exist as a greenhouse for godliness to help the next generation to know God, to experience community, and to change the world.
Galatians 2-11-21 presents a confrontation between Paul and Peter in the battle between grace and legalism. To dismiss or diminish the grace of God is to say that Christ's death on the cross was a waste.
Because God is sovereign over all -including Egyptian gods-, we must surrender to Him and worship Him alone.
Paul wrote to the Galatian churches of a private meeting he had when he brought financial aid to Judean believers.
Generosity that isn't as it seems--- the paradox of righteousness-- the paradox of reward-- the paradox of secrecy
Paul defended himself as a witness to the gospel of grace by demonstrating God's grace in his own life.
Generosity that isn't as it seems:- the paradox of righteousness- the paradox of reward- the paradox of secrecy
Paul defended himself as a witness to the gospel of grace by demonstrating God's grace in his own life.
When Moses committed to trusting and obeying the LORD, it didn't go well from a human perspective.
Because our affections are inextricably linked to our possessions, we need wisdom in dealing with our wealth.
3 actions to prepare us:1. Behold Christ's Authority (vv. 1-4)2. Bend Our Knees in Surrender (vv. 5-8)3. Boldly Forsake All (vv. 9-11)
Those in authority and those under authority frustrate each other because it takes wisdom to walk rightly regarding authority.
It has been said, -How we spend our days is how we spend-our lives.- The average person will spend most of their days-working. The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work in-their lifetime. Consequently, we need to walk in wisdom with our-work.
Wisdom informs us about God and protects us from the world -evil men, immoral women, wicked self-.
Even in the face of your failure, don't rule out God's faithfulness- Man's failure is never final while God's grace is operable-
True saints are not superheroes of the faith. True saints are those who have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all -Hebrews 10-10-. True saints are not declared so by decree of a church but by the grace of God-
Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. - Jeremiah Burroughs
Philippians 4-1 issues the injunction to stand fast in the-Lord. Philippians 4-2-9 then offers practical advice for achieving-that spiritual stability. In this text, Paul presents five principles for-maintaining spiritual balance as we react to the movements of life -- We must resolve ...-- to cultivate Christian harmony-- to maintain a spirit of joy-- to be known for gentleness-- to pray with thanksgiving-- to think holy thoughts
Preachers are known to sometimes talk fast, sweat -profusely, raise their voices, pound the pulpit, or even rant and -rave about a given subject. However, Philippians 3-17-4-1 -describes the passion of a preacher who exhorted a church with -tears.
Spiritual perfection will always be the goal, but never the achievement until the day we are glorified and ushered into Christ's presence. Pursuing the prize of spiritual perfection requires humility, effort, motivation, attitude, and consistency.
Paul's testimony- -I exchanged my own righteousness for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.-
Where do we go to find the forgiveness that we need-- Psalm 103 directs us to the One who is willing and able to forgive and restore.
The New Testament challenges us to examine ourselves and make certain that our salvation is genuine -1 Corinthians 13-5- 2 Peter 1-10- Matthew 7-21-23-.
In our culture, if the food is cold, the service is bad, the job-is poorly done, or one doesn't get his -money's worth,- it is valid-to complain- however, for the people of God, complaining and-disputing are twin sins.
In the process of spiritual growth -sanctification-, do we do the work -v 12- or does God to the work -v 13--- The first position is held by the Pietist-Activist- the second position is held by the Quietist-Passivist. But could it be both-Synergist--
In the Old Testament the word -forget- does not describe a-lapse of memory so much as it describes an abandonment of God's-Word and an apathy toward God's works. According to Psalm-103-1-5, when we fail to praise the Lord, we -forget- who He is-and what He has done.
Dr. Andrew Counterman-Baptist Evangelistic Ministry Endeavors - Latin America-Senior Director
The Worthiness of God in Worship-The Works of God in Worship-- punishment of the wicked-- prosperity of the righteous
Jesus Christ came from the glories of Heaven to the gutters of Earth in order to redeem mankind- however, the depth of Christ's condescension -Philippians 2-5-8- is contrasted by the height of Christ's exaltation -Philippians 2-9-11- so that He remains incomparable-
Each believer must stand fast, strive together, and suffer for the protection of the gospel.
The precision -defined and defended- of the gospel message is important- however, the primacy of the gospel message is also important. For Paul, the gospel was at the center of his mind and mission.
Death is a reality of life that we must all face- however, like Jacob, we can face it in faith because of the redemptive promises of God.
In Genesis 49 Jacob issued a prophetic utterance to each of-his sons regarding their descendants and the future of their tribes.-Hebrews 11-13 tells us that all these -died in faith, not having-received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured-of them.-
Jacob's greatest demonstration of faith did not occur during his life, but at the end of his life, on his deathbed -Hebrews 11-21-.
The Gospel of John takes us back to the beginning and tells us that Jesus Christ had no beginning -- He is the infinite God.
Although Galatians 4-4-7 is not a traditional Christmas text, it is important for our knowing the diving timing and intent of God sending His Son and His Spirit -- so that we might become His children.
Because of the sovereignty of God in the sufferings of men, we can forgive one another.
Joseph repeatedly tested his brothers in order to prick their consciences and to measure their character.
Fortune doesn't dictate our wellbeing, faith does. Joseph lived by faith in the unseen hand of God -- that is why he did well. Jacob lived in fear because he could not see God's hand -- that is why he faltered.
Report on Germany Trip-Part 2 of sermon--Part 1 at sermonaudio.com-sermon-92723033571780-
God calls us to personal holiness--- personal holiness displays our unity with Christ -1 Corinthians 6-12-20--- personal holiness honors God's design for marriage -Hebrews 13-4--- personal holiness separates us from the world -Romans 13-11-14--- personal holiness pleases God -1 Thessalonians 4-1-8-
How could Joseph use his power for his brothers' benefit rather than for his own bitterness--
In the limitation and loneliness of life's circumstances, Satan will tempt us with doubts about the person and presence and promises of God.
To some, Joseph experienced a -lucky break- that lifted him-from the pit to the palace, from prisoner to prime-minister. However, the Bible is clear that Joseph's -big-break- was a work of God's providence.
Psalm 68 is less about man and his circumstances-context and more about God and His character. Psalm 68 teaches us about God's attributes and activities.
In His wisdom, God preserved Genesis 38 for us, not as an interruption to Joseph's story, but as an essential development to the larger metanarrative of the Scripture.
A psalm of descriptive and declarative praise--What happens when we worship-- We encounter God's mercy, His blessing, and His face.-What happens because we worship-- God will be made known, praised, enjoyed, and feared.
Desolate and desperate, David looked in four directions- inward -vv 1-2-, upward -vv 3-6-, backward -vv 7-8-, and forward to the impending battle the next morning against Absalom -vv 9-11-.
Esau and his descendants were some of the most successful failures in all of human history because they achieved so much in this life but rejected the One Who gave them life.
Jeduthun to King David--It's been a rough week. You are going through a tough time. How are you handling the pressure-- Are you afraid of how the situation might turn out-- Are you worried about what might happen-- What are you going to do---1. Speak loudly in surrendered silence -1-4--2. Stand firmly with composed confidence -5-8--3. See clearly the divine difference -9-12--- man is nothing- intimidated by might, impressed by money-- God is everything- His power, His way -merciful and patient- righteous and just-
At long last Jacob -now Israel- was headed home where he belonged. In Bethel, Jacob could renew his fellowship with God again.
The rebuke -division among the people and digression from the purpose-, remembrance -interpreting something old and instituting something new-, retelling -announcing Christ's death and anticipating Christ's coming-, repentance -self judgment or God's judgment-, and relationships
Those who have received God's grace may be sure of the same when seeking reconciliation with others.
We can cast our care upon the Lord because He cares for us -I Peter 5-7-. He care for us because He has suffered in the same ways that we suffer -Hebrews 4-14-15-.
How do we fight the unseen battles of corruption and conflict that are behind the problems of our lives----In spiritual warfare, we must be Christ-like, confident, not carnal, capable, and careful.
God's Word is the spiritual sword that pierces the darkness-of our world and the darkness of our own hearts.
Jesus befriending us impacts the friendships we have with one another. Biblical friendships are sacrificial, sharing, and successful.
Our salvation isn't just the forgiveness of sin's penalty or the victory over sin's power- it is ultimately the deliverance from sin's presence for all of eternity, which is the hope of the believer.
When David's friends and family turned against him, he turned to God in prayer, proclamation, and praise.
Ephesians 6-15 isn't about going but about standing. In the-context of Ephesians 6 the gospel of peace isn't about evangelizing-the unbeliever but about strengthening the believer. We must be-prepared to proclaim the gospel of peace to ourselves.
The spiritual warfare that is waged against us by the Wicked One can be lethal if we do not protect the core of our being with a breastplate.
Even though Jacob was committed to the God of heaven and-earth, the God of his fathers, life was still a struggle. Contrary to-the false gospel message of health and wealth and prosperity that is-often preached around the world, one's commitment to follow after-God doesn't erase the natural consequences of our sin, nor does it-promise an easy life going forward.
Psalm 50 presents a courtroom drama that we've never-seen before- the prosecutor and his key witness and the judge are all-the same person.
In Genesis 28, Jacob encountered the One Who loved him and chose him. God met with Jacob and turned Jacob's heart toward the LORD.
Bravado - John 13-Brokenness - Luke 22-54-62-Breakfast - John 21-Bravery - Acts 2-14-42
Psalm 49 instructs us about the futility of fretting or fighting over this world's wealth ... for the world is passing away ... and so are we.
Without excusing our sin and selfishness, we can take comfort in knowing that God is still at work even when we fail. That is the ultimate blessing.
For better or for worse, history may repeat itself in the lives of each successive generation.
Without faith in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, there is neither forgiveness of sin nor eternal salvation.
-We sing this psalm to the praise of God, because God is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends His church and His Word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against all the assaults of the world, the flesh, and sin.- - Martin Luther
God is sovereign in choosing men to fulfill His promises and to accomplish His purposes.
God will guide the obedient and faithful believer, and God will guarantee the fulfillment of His promises.
How do we face the Valley of the Shadow of Death---With faith in God's promises, as Abraham did.-- Abraham's grief was hopeful.-- Sarah's grave was honorable.
In Psalm 38 it's as if David is saying to us, -Remember my sin. Remember my repentance. Remember my situation and learn from it.-1. Sin brings painful consequences -1-8-- God's righteous anger and man's real anguish -personal regret, grief, sickness-.-2. Sin causes relational separation- spiritual, social, emotional -9-14-.-3. Sin demands repentant supplication -15-22-.
The Revelation- Abraham's Test -1-2--The Preparation- Abraham's Trust -3-6--The Proclamation- Abraham's Testimony -7-8--The Dedication- Abraham's Torment -9-10--The Preservation- Abraham's Thought -11-13--The Designation- Abraham's Title -14-19-
Jesus's answers to three disciples show His view of surrendered living--- a committed sacrificial attitude-- a shifted set of priorities-- a faithful endurance
25 years passed after God promised to make Abraham a great nation in Genesis 12 and 13. At long last, the time had come for Isaac to be born in fulfillment of Abraham's faith in God's promise.
We stumble and trip and fall in our Christian walk over and over again. We learn our lesson and vow to change, but then it happens again--the same temptation, the same sin, the same walking in the flesh rather than walking in the Spirit.
God's judgment upon the wickedness of man isn't just a thing of the past. It is very much a thing of the near future. In Luke 17-26-30 Jesus said, -As it was in the days of Noah ... Likewise as it was in the days of Lot ... so it will be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.-
Psalm 27 is a psalm of confidence in the LORD, Yahweh. David expresses his confidence in the LORD -1-3-, his desire to be with the LORD -4-6-, his plea for deliverance by the LORD -7-12-, and his encouragement because of the LORD -13-14-.
Walking by faith demands that we take the right steps of obedience even when we have been wronged by others.
Everyone wants the best for those they love. Paul wanted the best for the churches he loved. In Colossians 2-1-7 Paul outlined five of his desires for our church.
Creeds and Confessions and Catechisms are important because they ground us in truth. The important thing about -The Colossian Creed- is that it predates all the others and is found in Holy Scripture-
Paul was a powerful preacher. Paul was also a powerful prayer. in fact, Paul probably did more praying than preaching. Colossians 1-9-14 presents an example of powerful prayer.
In a day of tall tales, urban legends, internet rumors, fake news, and misinformation, there still remains a word of truth- the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Comparative Study of Theology and Anthropology. Psalm 8 is a poetic picture of the significance of man, framed by the excellence of God.
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we shouldn't live for the indulgence of ourselves on the weekend, but for the ultimately and final glory of God in the end-
We can experience revival when we plead with God to invade our lives in a powerful way, cleanse our sin, and show us His mercy.
-If God was slandered in Eden, we shall surely be maligned in this land of sinners. The best way to deal with slander is to pray about it- God will either remove it, or remove the sting from it. Our own attempts at clearing ourselves are usually failures. Be quiet and let your Advocate plead your cause.- Charles Spurgeon
-The supreme need in every hour of difficulty and distress is for a fresh vision of God. Seeing Him, all else takes on proper perspective and proportion.- G. Campbell Morgan
What has been the secret to the Jews' survival- The promises of God. Beyond that, what is the secret to the Jews' future- The promises of God.
After experiencing the highs of Christmas Day, how do we process the lows of a new year- Where do we find comfort after Christmas- Comfort is found in knowing that God is fulfilling His purposes and His plans in this world.
What was Jesus' perspective on the Christmas event- What would Jesus say about His own birth if He were telling the Christmas story-
Psalm 98 is a song of celebration for what God has done...and what God will do...for His poeple in the sight of all the world.
God wants us to give to HIs work with a cheerful heart. Paul provides five motivations to show us why we should give with a cheerful heart.
Isaiah 61-1-2a was fulfilled in Jesus' first coming.-Isaiah 61-2b-11 will be fulfilled in Jesus' second coming.
Whatever David suffered, it was not too unlike our own experience. However David responded, it can serve as a good example for us.
Isaiah 60 tells us of Israel's bright future in the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom yet to come.
Isaiah explains that religiosity is unable to save us. Rather, it is the righteousness of God imputed to us through Jesus Christ that is able to redeem us from our sin.
Isaiah 56 and 57 is an extended oracle of God through the prophet Isaiah that condemns sin and commands humility toward God as the means of spiritual revival.
The four Servant Songs in Isaiah prophetically point to the Servant of the LORD, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 54 - 55 tell us of the grace that would come to both Israel and Gentile nations because of the work of the suffering Servant of the Lord, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God's grace changes everything.
The character of God is demonstrated in His judgment on Babylon and His mercy on Israel.
Isaiah 46 appeals to our senses and our reason in making the case that there is only one true God of heaven and earth.
Long before God's people were conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and taken captive to Babylon, and more than 150 years before Cyrus the Great of the Medo-Persian empire in turn conquered Babylon and returned the Jews to the Promised Land, Isaiah prophesied of those very events.
While God's people may be unfaithful to Him, God does not forget them nor His promises to them. God will fully and finally demonstrate His faithfulness in the future redemption of Israel.
There is a stark contrast between two different objects of our satisfaction. One the one hand is our worthless idols. On the other hand is God's worthy servant. The latter compels us to sing.
On the very same occasion that Mary blessed the Lord Jesus by anointing Him with costly perfume, Judas agreed to betray the Lord Jesus for a sum of money. In between those two polar opposite expressions there were others who demonstrated the response of their hearts toward Jesus. We may find ourselves among them.
Why does one generation report to the next their hardship from the -good old days-- So that the next generation might appreciate the privileges they enjoy.
There will be seven-year Tribulation period that will follow the rapture of the church and precede the second-coming of Jesus Christ in which God will finalize HIs discipline of Israel and His judgment of the unbelieving world.
What inspires us to walk by faith when the road is paved with suffering- What sustains us along the way when the end is marked by martyrdom-
Naboth is an unnamed and unsung hero of the faith who was stoned for his obedience to God -Hebrews 11-37a-.
Jesus issued an indictment upon the religious elite over two matters of identity- Who is Jesus- Who is man-
Trust is the daily, practical exercise of our hearts toward God . . . even when times are tough.
Regardless of political persuasion, everyone desires good government. Good government is predicated upon a good governor. Someday that good governor will be God Himself.
Some trust in chariots, some in horses- but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. -Psalm 20-7-
While it may be difficult for some to believe the resurrection of Jesus after the fact, David believed the resurrection of Jesus before the fact...prophetically. And for this reason he looked forward to fullness of joy in God's presence.
Isaiah 24-27 is known as -Isaiah's Apocalypse.- These chapters describes the judgment of God upon the world durign the coming Tribulation -ie. earthly city fo man- and the blessings to follow int he Millennial Kingdom -ie. heavenly city of God-.
Isaiah is preparing God's people fo rth future. Whe the time comes, Israel will sing a hymn of praise to the Lord. We ought to do the same.
The Christian life is frequently described as a wlk. believers are exhorted to -Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise-
God's holiness is all the separateness that exists between the Creator and the creation. God's holiness is the distance between God's deity and man's humanity.
During some of the darkest days in Judah, Isaiah prophesied of the coming of the Messiah as the Light of the world.
The presence of God among us in the person of Jesus Christ is one of the great blessings of the Christmas event.
Biblical hope is the confident expectation -faith, trust- that God's promises will come to pass because God is faithful to fulfill what He has promised.
At a time when the northern kingdom of Israel was about to fall to the Aaayrians and the southern kindgom of Judah was vulnerable to the surrounding nations, God spoke...throught the prophet Isaiah...with a message of judgment...and redemption- Judgement because of Judah's sin and redemption through God's Messiah.
During a time of political turmoil and hatred for the state, Paul wrote to the Roman believers about God and government. Paul penned the clearest and most specific Bible teaching on the Christian's response to and responsibility toward civil authority.
How could Timothy prepare to do Christian ministry in perilous times without his spiritual father and mentor- How can we prepare for the future in the same way-
Rather than being characterized by the godlessness described in verses 1-9, Timothy was doing what he need to do to survive in a wicked world.
Paul presents two different categories of vessels, those for honor and those for dishonor. The vessels are people like you and me...people to be used by the Lord.
The fight against falsehood -for the truth- is a battle against those without and those within. While persecution from without will be painful -enduring hardship as a soldier and prisoner-, the polarization from within may be more painful. The former is called apologetics. The latter is called polemics.
Paul commanded Timothy to be strong...as illustrated in the activity of a teacher, a soldier, and athlete, and a farmer.