The document provides guidance on how to be a good soldier for God. It discusses 12 steps for entering the military and emphasizes the need for prayer, recognizing all believers as equals, instant obedience to God's commands, willingness to suffer hardship for one's faith, and desiring to please God above all else. The overarching message is that Christians must dedicate themselves fully to serving God without becoming entangled in worldly affairs.
The document discusses the blessings of the cross, including forgiveness, provision, victory, and healing. It explains that through the cross, Jesus has forgiven our sins, provided for our needs, won victory over sin, death, and Satan, and made healing possible. However, Satan tries to keep us in unbelief, condemnation, and defeat. We must stand firm in the promises of God secured through Christ's sacrifice and receive the blessings of forgiveness, provision, victory, and healing by faith.
The document discusses three professions that Christians should emulate:
SOLDIER - Christians must endure hardship, be strong in their faith, face adversity without getting tangled in worldly affairs.
ATHLETE - They must play by God's rules, train and work hard in their faith, competing and striving for their spiritual goals.
FARMER - Christians are called to work diligently for their faith, plant spiritual seeds, weed out distractions, and be patient, trusting that their harvest will come.
What is unique about the "great tribulation" to the typical trials of life or the holocaust and other cataclysms and tribulations? When will it occur? Why? Is there hope? How should those who identify with Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and have His Spirit dwelling within them respond?
The document outlines God's plan of salvation according to scripture as involving five steps: 1) Hearing the word of God, 2) Believing in Jesus, 3) Repenting of sins, 4) Confessing faith in Jesus, and 5) Being baptized for the remission of sins. It emphasizes that while people have come up with many plans of salvation, there is only one plan given by God in the Bible. It encourages examining whether one has truly obeyed God's biblical plan of salvation or been deceived by human-made plans.
The season of the prophetic seventh day (1)Butch Yulo
The document discusses the Jewish millennial day theory, which interprets the seven days of creation in Genesis as prophesying the next 7,000 years of world history. Each "day" corresponds to 1,000 years. The text analyzes how events from biblical and church history line up with this theory. It suggests that the sixth millennium will end around 2028, marking the beginning of the seventh millennium or "millennial Sabbath rest" when Jesus will return to reign during the 1,000 year period prophesied in Revelation 20. While the exact timing is uncertain, the document argues the theory provides biblical evidence that Christ's second coming is near.
1) The document is a lesson outline for the Book of Romans. It summarizes the main topics and sections of Romans.
2) The outline discusses who Romans was addressed to, its theme of justification by faith, its purpose of explaining Paul's gospel to Christians in Rome, and its date of being written around 57-58 AD.
3) The content sections summarized are: the need for salvation, the way of salvation through faith in Jesus, Israel's relationship with God, and the practical applications of salvation for Christians to live holy lives.
This document discusses the concept of faith from a biblical perspective. It defines faith as trust or belief in God and his word based on divine revelation. Faith includes knowledge of God, belief in the truth of his word, and personal trust in God. The document outlines that faith is activated through hearing God's spoken word (rhema), which produces visions, conviction, prophetic declarations, and the fulfillment of God's promises. True faith results in good works and obedience to God. The righteous are called to live by faith by clinging to their faith in God and his redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
The document discusses the rapture doctrine and whether the Bible teaches it. It summarizes that most denominations teach there will be a secret rapture where faithful Christians are taken away before tribulation. However, the only Bible passage used to support this, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, instead teaches that the dead will be resurrected and living believers will rise together to meet Christ, not be secretly taken away beforehand. The document concludes the rapture teaching was a recent development and the Bible teaches of a single resurrection and judgment of all, not a secret prior rapture.
The document discusses the blessings of the cross, including forgiveness, provision, victory, and healing. It explains that through the cross, Jesus has forgiven our sins, provided for our needs, won victory over sin, death, and Satan, and made healing possible. However, Satan tries to keep us in unbelief, condemnation, and defeat. We must stand firm in the promises of God secured through Christ's sacrifice and receive the blessings of forgiveness, provision, victory, and healing by faith.
The document discusses three professions that Christians should emulate:
SOLDIER - Christians must endure hardship, be strong in their faith, face adversity without getting tangled in worldly affairs.
ATHLETE - They must play by God's rules, train and work hard in their faith, competing and striving for their spiritual goals.
FARMER - Christians are called to work diligently for their faith, plant spiritual seeds, weed out distractions, and be patient, trusting that their harvest will come.
What is unique about the "great tribulation" to the typical trials of life or the holocaust and other cataclysms and tribulations? When will it occur? Why? Is there hope? How should those who identify with Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and have His Spirit dwelling within them respond?
The document outlines God's plan of salvation according to scripture as involving five steps: 1) Hearing the word of God, 2) Believing in Jesus, 3) Repenting of sins, 4) Confessing faith in Jesus, and 5) Being baptized for the remission of sins. It emphasizes that while people have come up with many plans of salvation, there is only one plan given by God in the Bible. It encourages examining whether one has truly obeyed God's biblical plan of salvation or been deceived by human-made plans.
The season of the prophetic seventh day (1)Butch Yulo
The document discusses the Jewish millennial day theory, which interprets the seven days of creation in Genesis as prophesying the next 7,000 years of world history. Each "day" corresponds to 1,000 years. The text analyzes how events from biblical and church history line up with this theory. It suggests that the sixth millennium will end around 2028, marking the beginning of the seventh millennium or "millennial Sabbath rest" when Jesus will return to reign during the 1,000 year period prophesied in Revelation 20. While the exact timing is uncertain, the document argues the theory provides biblical evidence that Christ's second coming is near.
1) The document is a lesson outline for the Book of Romans. It summarizes the main topics and sections of Romans.
2) The outline discusses who Romans was addressed to, its theme of justification by faith, its purpose of explaining Paul's gospel to Christians in Rome, and its date of being written around 57-58 AD.
3) The content sections summarized are: the need for salvation, the way of salvation through faith in Jesus, Israel's relationship with God, and the practical applications of salvation for Christians to live holy lives.
This document discusses the concept of faith from a biblical perspective. It defines faith as trust or belief in God and his word based on divine revelation. Faith includes knowledge of God, belief in the truth of his word, and personal trust in God. The document outlines that faith is activated through hearing God's spoken word (rhema), which produces visions, conviction, prophetic declarations, and the fulfillment of God's promises. True faith results in good works and obedience to God. The righteous are called to live by faith by clinging to their faith in God and his redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
The document discusses the rapture doctrine and whether the Bible teaches it. It summarizes that most denominations teach there will be a secret rapture where faithful Christians are taken away before tribulation. However, the only Bible passage used to support this, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, instead teaches that the dead will be resurrected and living believers will rise together to meet Christ, not be secretly taken away beforehand. The document concludes the rapture teaching was a recent development and the Bible teaches of a single resurrection and judgment of all, not a secret prior rapture.
The document discusses the three realms of the supernatural: faith, anointing, and glory. It states that faith is the first realm and portal to the supernatural. Faith is in the person of Jesus Christ and it is the beginning of entry into the supernatural realm. The document explores many Bible passages that discuss faith and how it is necessary to please God and receive his promises. It establishes that the realm of faith centers around believing in Jesus Christ.
The document discusses the importance of having a daily quiet time with God. It recommends rising early in the morning to minimize distractions and interruptions. Having a set time, such as 30-60 minutes, allows a person to regularly fellowship with God through Bible reading and prayer. It also helps one gain strength for the day and execute God's commands. The document provides tips for preparing for quiet time, such as changing locations, selecting a quiet place, and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Establishing a consistent daily time prevents issues like laziness, legalism, and inconsistency in one's spiritual life.
This document outlines the four spiritual laws that govern people's relationship with God. The first law is that God loves people and has a wonderful plan for their lives. The second law is that people are sinful and separated from God, so they cannot know or experience God's love or plan without Jesus. The third law is that Jesus Christ is God's only provision to bridge the gap between God and people caused by sin. The fourth law is that people must receive Jesus Christ as their savior and lord in order to know God's love and experience his plan.
The document provides an introduction and overview of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It discusses the purpose of presenting Jesus Christ as the source of joy, Paul as the author around 60-62 AD while imprisoned in Rome, and the original audience as the Philippians and early Christians. The outline presents four sections where Paul discusses his circumstances, appealing to have the mind, knowledge, and peace of Christ.
The document describes the tabernacle that was constructed by Moses in the wilderness based on divine instructions. It summarizes the various components of the tabernacle including the ark of the covenant, table of showbread, lampstand, altars, and veil. It explains that the tabernacle and its instruments foreshadowed spiritual truths about Jesus Christ, his incarnation, and the church. The camp of Israel was arranged with the tabernacle at the center, and the document outlines the order and placement of the tribes' encampments.
This document discusses how Christians should let their light shine through their good works and obedience to God. It begins by explaining that Jesus calls Christians the light of the world. However, the light of the church has often been dimmed as worldliness has crept in. The document then provides biblical passages encouraging believers to remain connected to God as the source of light and realize that their lives and works are on display for others. Christians are called to let their light shine through good deeds and obedience so that others may glorify God.
The document provides an overview of seeking and knowing God's will. It discusses the different types of God's will, including his fulfilled will through Jesus, revealed will found in scripture, and specific will for individual lives. Fulfilling God's revealed will means placing Christ first, loving God, being thankful, making disciples, and living holy lives. Parents have a responsibility to bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Living together as a Christ-centered family allows parents to instruct children according to scripture so they can shine as lights in the world.
This document provides guidance on how to successfully complete the Christian race by focusing on reaching forward with persistence, applying yourself with purpose, conquering evil with God's power, and enduring hardness with patience. It encourages the reader to become a faithful Christian by hearing and believing the gospel, repenting of sins, confessing faith, and being baptized.
Patience is a virtue that many of us need to work on. What is patience? What can I do to increase my patience? What are some consequences of not being patient? How does God give us patience? Hopefully this lesson will help you answer these questions. Audio: http://w65stchurchofchrist.org/Sermons/Audio_Sermons/2010_04_04_Lord_Give_Me_Patience_Now.mp3
Paul wrote II Timothy from prison in Rome, sensing his impending martyrdom. He encouraged Timothy to remain strong in faith despite coming persecution and false teachings. Paul urged Timothy to preach the word of God boldly and fully carry out his duties as an evangelist, even as people increasingly reject sound doctrine. He concluded by reflecting on having fought the good fight and kept the faith, looking forward to receiving a crown of righteousness from God.
A Tuesday evening presentation all about The Church - what it is, why we need it and the purpose of the church. Created by Sean Avard from Holland Road Baptist Church
Before Christ came into our lives, we were children of darkness. But even as God is light, and Christ is the light of the world, so also are we are children of light. As such, we ought to walk in the light and behave in a manner consistent with our calling. Wake up oh Christian and let your light shine.
The document discusses the doctrine of salvation, including what salvation is and is not. It states that salvation is solely found in Jesus Christ and his work, not any human actions. It then outlines the process of salvation, including election by God, effectual calling, regeneration, conversion through repentance and faith, justification, and eventual glorification. It addresses common objections to the doctrines of election and reprobation. The key aspects of regeneration, conversion, and justification are also explained in detail.
Sermon Slide Deck: "Good News of Great Joy" (Luke 2:1-14)New City Church
“...not only is Christianity the greatest story ever told, but it is the greatest possible story ever told.” ~ Paul Gould
This message was given on December 11, 2016 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info, please visit: www.newcitychurch.ca.
The document discusses what a person's identity is "in Christ". It provides several Bible verses that describe how through faith in Jesus, believers die to their old selves and are made new creations. Their lives are now hidden with Christ in God and they are united with Him in both death and resurrection. The old self has been crucified and believers now live by faith in Christ who lives in them. They have put off the old self and put on the new self created in God's likeness.
The document discusses what it means to be a committed Christian. It begins by examining a passage from John about Jesus being glorified and commanding his disciples to love one another. It then defines a committed Christian as someone who is committed to giving God all glory, loving other believers, and having unwavering loyalty to God. The challenges facing the church today that can undermine commitment are identified as religious pluralism, materialism, and secularism. The document emphasizes that true commitment involves living according to God's commands, not just making promises of loyalty.
This document outlines the importance of Christ's resurrection from a Christian perspective. It discusses how Christ's resurrection was predicted, how his tomb was found empty, how he appeared and interacted with his followers after his death, and how the resurrection transformed some of Jesus' earliest doubters into believers. It argues that the resurrection validates Christianity and the Bible, and is the foundation for the existence of the Christian church today. The resurrection proves Jesus' identity as the son of God and gives believers hope of eternal life.
Tour of Living Letters: Introduction to 2 Timothyclarktorrey
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy to encourage him in his ministry as the church faces increasing opposition and false teachings. Paul reminds Timothy of the need to remain faithful to Scripture and preach it boldly. He warns Timothy about the perilous times to come with more people rejecting sound doctrine. Despite Paul's impending death, he expresses confidence that he fought the good fight and kept the faith so that he will receive the crown of righteousness.
This is the presentation for the Sunday school lesson taught on 2 Timothy 4:6-8 at Bible Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA.
For more resources like this visit http://www.puyallupbaptistchurch.com
The document discusses the three realms of the supernatural: faith, anointing, and glory. It states that faith is the first realm and portal to the supernatural. Faith is in the person of Jesus Christ and it is the beginning of entry into the supernatural realm. The document explores many Bible passages that discuss faith and how it is necessary to please God and receive his promises. It establishes that the realm of faith centers around believing in Jesus Christ.
The document discusses the importance of having a daily quiet time with God. It recommends rising early in the morning to minimize distractions and interruptions. Having a set time, such as 30-60 minutes, allows a person to regularly fellowship with God through Bible reading and prayer. It also helps one gain strength for the day and execute God's commands. The document provides tips for preparing for quiet time, such as changing locations, selecting a quiet place, and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Establishing a consistent daily time prevents issues like laziness, legalism, and inconsistency in one's spiritual life.
This document outlines the four spiritual laws that govern people's relationship with God. The first law is that God loves people and has a wonderful plan for their lives. The second law is that people are sinful and separated from God, so they cannot know or experience God's love or plan without Jesus. The third law is that Jesus Christ is God's only provision to bridge the gap between God and people caused by sin. The fourth law is that people must receive Jesus Christ as their savior and lord in order to know God's love and experience his plan.
The document provides an introduction and overview of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It discusses the purpose of presenting Jesus Christ as the source of joy, Paul as the author around 60-62 AD while imprisoned in Rome, and the original audience as the Philippians and early Christians. The outline presents four sections where Paul discusses his circumstances, appealing to have the mind, knowledge, and peace of Christ.
The document describes the tabernacle that was constructed by Moses in the wilderness based on divine instructions. It summarizes the various components of the tabernacle including the ark of the covenant, table of showbread, lampstand, altars, and veil. It explains that the tabernacle and its instruments foreshadowed spiritual truths about Jesus Christ, his incarnation, and the church. The camp of Israel was arranged with the tabernacle at the center, and the document outlines the order and placement of the tribes' encampments.
This document discusses how Christians should let their light shine through their good works and obedience to God. It begins by explaining that Jesus calls Christians the light of the world. However, the light of the church has often been dimmed as worldliness has crept in. The document then provides biblical passages encouraging believers to remain connected to God as the source of light and realize that their lives and works are on display for others. Christians are called to let their light shine through good deeds and obedience so that others may glorify God.
The document provides an overview of seeking and knowing God's will. It discusses the different types of God's will, including his fulfilled will through Jesus, revealed will found in scripture, and specific will for individual lives. Fulfilling God's revealed will means placing Christ first, loving God, being thankful, making disciples, and living holy lives. Parents have a responsibility to bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Living together as a Christ-centered family allows parents to instruct children according to scripture so they can shine as lights in the world.
This document provides guidance on how to successfully complete the Christian race by focusing on reaching forward with persistence, applying yourself with purpose, conquering evil with God's power, and enduring hardness with patience. It encourages the reader to become a faithful Christian by hearing and believing the gospel, repenting of sins, confessing faith, and being baptized.
Patience is a virtue that many of us need to work on. What is patience? What can I do to increase my patience? What are some consequences of not being patient? How does God give us patience? Hopefully this lesson will help you answer these questions. Audio: http://w65stchurchofchrist.org/Sermons/Audio_Sermons/2010_04_04_Lord_Give_Me_Patience_Now.mp3
Paul wrote II Timothy from prison in Rome, sensing his impending martyrdom. He encouraged Timothy to remain strong in faith despite coming persecution and false teachings. Paul urged Timothy to preach the word of God boldly and fully carry out his duties as an evangelist, even as people increasingly reject sound doctrine. He concluded by reflecting on having fought the good fight and kept the faith, looking forward to receiving a crown of righteousness from God.
A Tuesday evening presentation all about The Church - what it is, why we need it and the purpose of the church. Created by Sean Avard from Holland Road Baptist Church
Before Christ came into our lives, we were children of darkness. But even as God is light, and Christ is the light of the world, so also are we are children of light. As such, we ought to walk in the light and behave in a manner consistent with our calling. Wake up oh Christian and let your light shine.
The document discusses the doctrine of salvation, including what salvation is and is not. It states that salvation is solely found in Jesus Christ and his work, not any human actions. It then outlines the process of salvation, including election by God, effectual calling, regeneration, conversion through repentance and faith, justification, and eventual glorification. It addresses common objections to the doctrines of election and reprobation. The key aspects of regeneration, conversion, and justification are also explained in detail.
Sermon Slide Deck: "Good News of Great Joy" (Luke 2:1-14)New City Church
“...not only is Christianity the greatest story ever told, but it is the greatest possible story ever told.” ~ Paul Gould
This message was given on December 11, 2016 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info, please visit: www.newcitychurch.ca.
The document discusses what a person's identity is "in Christ". It provides several Bible verses that describe how through faith in Jesus, believers die to their old selves and are made new creations. Their lives are now hidden with Christ in God and they are united with Him in both death and resurrection. The old self has been crucified and believers now live by faith in Christ who lives in them. They have put off the old self and put on the new self created in God's likeness.
The document discusses what it means to be a committed Christian. It begins by examining a passage from John about Jesus being glorified and commanding his disciples to love one another. It then defines a committed Christian as someone who is committed to giving God all glory, loving other believers, and having unwavering loyalty to God. The challenges facing the church today that can undermine commitment are identified as religious pluralism, materialism, and secularism. The document emphasizes that true commitment involves living according to God's commands, not just making promises of loyalty.
This document outlines the importance of Christ's resurrection from a Christian perspective. It discusses how Christ's resurrection was predicted, how his tomb was found empty, how he appeared and interacted with his followers after his death, and how the resurrection transformed some of Jesus' earliest doubters into believers. It argues that the resurrection validates Christianity and the Bible, and is the foundation for the existence of the Christian church today. The resurrection proves Jesus' identity as the son of God and gives believers hope of eternal life.
Tour of Living Letters: Introduction to 2 Timothyclarktorrey
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy to encourage him in his ministry as the church faces increasing opposition and false teachings. Paul reminds Timothy of the need to remain faithful to Scripture and preach it boldly. He warns Timothy about the perilous times to come with more people rejecting sound doctrine. Despite Paul's impending death, he expresses confidence that he fought the good fight and kept the faith so that he will receive the crown of righteousness.
This is the presentation for the Sunday school lesson taught on 2 Timothy 4:6-8 at Bible Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA.
For more resources like this visit http://www.puyallupbaptistchurch.com
The Apostle Paul gives orders to his disciple and church leader, Timothy, to protect his flock from misuse of the Old Testament. This message covers the first chapter of 1 Timothy and explains some of the the proper and improper ways to use the OT in New Testament times.
The audio recording of this message is at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-10/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2015/5/17_Entry_1.html
This is the powerpoint presentation for the final lesson from 2 Timothy. This series was taught at Bible Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA.
For more resources from Bible Baptist Church of Puyallup and from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://www.puyallupbaptitchurch.com
After a sharp rebuke of those who would teach false ideas in the church Jude goes on to show how believers can protect themselves against such men and their dangerous ideas.
Jude writes to warn believers about false teachers who had infiltrated the ecclesias. He encourages the readers to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints. Jude provides examples from the Old Testament of people like Cain, Balaam, and Korah who were ungodly and brought condemnation upon themselves by turning from God's truth. These historic examples show the character of false teachers as lacking faith, seeking reward or glory for themselves instead of God.
1. The city of Thessalonica was founded in 315 BC and became an important port city and part of a major trade route.
2. Chapter 1 discusses how Paul gave thanks for the faith, hope, and love of the Thessalonian church, which had turned from idols to serve God despite facing opposition.
3. Chapters 2-3 describe how Paul and Timothy ministered to and encouraged the church, teaching them the gospel and urging them to increase in love as they awaited Christ's return.
New Testament Survey no.14: Paul - His Letter to ThessalonicaClive Ashby
Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica to encourage believers experiencing persecution, correct misunderstandings about the end times, and defend his ministry. He reminded them to persevere through trials and live according to his teachings. Paul explained that believers who had died would be resurrected on the Day of the Lord and meet Christ together with those still alive.
This document provides an introduction and overview of the New Testament letter of Jude.
1. Jude identifies himself as the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He intended to write about salvation but was compelled to warn about false teachers instead.
2. Jude writes to defend the apostolic faith against false teachings arising in the early churches. These false teachers held antinomian Gnostic beliefs and lived immoral lives.
3. Jude quotes from non-biblical sources to condemn the false teachers and exhorts believers to remain faithful to God and contend for the faith.
Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to check on the church there because Paul could no longer endure the suspense of not knowing how they were faring. Though Timothy's help was useful to Paul in Athens, Paul was willing to be left alone in Athens for the sake of the Thessalonians and to ease his concern for them. Timothy was a trusted messenger being both a spiritual brother, minister of God, and fellow laborer with Paul in preaching the gospel. His mission was to strengthen the faith of the Thessalonian believers amid their trials.
The document summarizes key aspects of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. It discusses Paul setting a true Christ-like example through thankful prayers, work of faith, labour of love, and steadfast hope. Paul established a tender relationship with believers like a nursing mother or father. He provided a transforming hope by outlining the life, love, and limitless future found in hope. Finally, Paul offered tips on Christian living including alertness, attitudes, and things to avoid.
This document provides background information on Thessaloniki (Thessalonica) and summarizes the key points of Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica. It discusses how Paul established the church and his exemplary ministry there, focusing on the second coming of Jesus as the epistle's main theme. Each chapter references the second coming. The letter aims to encourage the believers and answer their questions about Christian conduct and the fate of deceased Christians. It urges watchfulness and holiness as they await Christ's return.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to clarify statements from his first letter regarding the end times. Some Thessalonians had stopped working, thinking Jesus' return was imminent. Paul reminded them that apostasy must come first and the Antichrist revealed. He encouraged steadfast faith and withstanding persecution until God's wrath is poured out. Paul also urged practical Christian living like working diligently and withdrawing from undisciplined believers. He closed by praying for the Thessalonians' peace as they awaited Christ's return.
1) The city of Thessalonica was founded in the 4th century BC and became the capital of Macedonia when it became a Roman province. It had a large Jewish population and was influenced by Greek thought.
2) Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica in the early 50s AD from Corinth to encourage them in their hope for Christ's return amid suffering and persecution. He commended them for their faith, love, and hope.
3) The Thessalonians imitated Paul and the apostles by receiving the gospel with power despite affliction and became examples to others by loudly proclaiming the word. Their repentance from idols impressed all who heard.
Paul writes a letter to Philemon asking him to welcome back Onesimus, a runaway slave. In 3 sentences: Paul commends Philemon for his faith and love, and asks him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother, for Paul had led Onesimus to faith during his imprisonment. Paul appeals to Philemon on various grounds, including their friendship and Philemon's reputation for good works.
Onesimus, a runaway slave, finds faith in Christ after meeting Paul in prison. Paul writes a letter to Philemon, Onesimus' owner, asking him to accept Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother. Paul's letter promotes reconciliation between Onesimus and Philemon through their shared faith. It also hints at Paul's own reconciliation with Mark, who had previously abandoned Paul on a missionary journey, as the two now work together again in ministry. The book of Philemon models how faith in Christ can overcome divisions and foster forgiveness and community.
The document discusses passages from the Bible, specifically 2 Peter. It focuses on themes of knowledge, false prophets, remembering teachings, and the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return. Key points mentioned include warnings against false teachers, encouragement to grow in knowledge and faith, and the urgency of remembering biblical truths even after death.
The document provides background on Paul's letter to Philemon. It summarizes the key events and themes of the letter in 3 sentences:
1) Paul wrote to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon's former slave who had wronged him, to request that Philemon receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother.
2) The letter uses a series of contrasts to make Paul's point that Philemon should willingly receive Onesimus back out of Christian love rather than obligation.
3) The concluding remarks reinforce the importance of mercy, gentle persuasion over compulsion, and using any situation to glorify God.
1. The document discusses what it takes to be a good soldier in God's army based on Paul's letter to Timothy.
2. It outlines six qualities of a good soldier: praying, recognizing that all people are equal in God's eyes, instant obedience, a willingness to suffer, a desire to please God, and commitment to serving under God's banner.
3. The document uses military language and examples to encourage Christians to faithfully serve God no matter the hardship, just as an obedient soldier serves their commander.
1) Peter writes to encourage Christians experiencing suffering and persecution to remain faithful to God. He exhorts church elders to shepherd their flocks willingly and without greed.
2) Peter describes Satan as a roaring lion seeking to devour believers, but urges Christians to resist him through steadfast faith. Suffering is temporary but will result in eternal glory.
3) He promises that God will restore, strengthen, and establish believers after they have endured hardship for a time. All suffering is meaningful and prepares Christians for greater rewards in heaven.
1) Paul expresses his joy and thankfulness for the Philippians in remembering their participation in spreading the gospel from the beginning of their faith.
2) He finds joy in interceding for them through prayer, focusing on their welfare rather than his own difficulties.
3) Paul is grateful for the Philippians' enduring partnership with him in the gospel mission through their generous financial support of his ministry.
Spiritual Battles Christianity talks Christian looking for christ.pptxtinashemangena50
The document discusses how Christians should fight spiritual battles. It says that battles are fought not against human enemies but against spiritual forces of evil. It provides several ways to resist the devil and wage spiritual warfare, including through prayer, using God's word, wearing the armor of God described in Ephesians, having a life of prayer and thanksgiving, taking control of one's thoughts to obey Christ, and ultimately submitting to God's authority as he has power over Satan. The conclusion emphasizes that victory only comes through yielding to Jesus Christ as he has power and authority over all things.
1) Paul warns that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not from following old religious traditions like circumcision.
2) Paul describes his previous religious devotion but now considers it worthless compared to knowing Jesus.
3) True faith means experiencing God's power through Christ and sharing in both his suffering and resurrection.
The document discusses the importance of applying biblical discernment when choosing a church. It says the key issues that should drive our choice are matters of doctrine regarding God, the Bible, and the gospel. It provides biblical support for the doctrine of God as one in three persons. It emphasizes that the Bible is the infallible rule of faith and outlines what the gospel teaches based on passages from 1 Corinthians - that Christ died for our sins and was resurrected. It stresses the centrality of the cross and gospel in the Christian life.
1. Peter exhorts the elders of the church to shepherd God's flock willingly and not for shameful gain, setting a godly example.
2. He reminds them that Christ is the chief Shepherd and that they will receive an unfading crown of glory when He returns.
3. Younger members are instructed to submit to the elders, and everyone is told to clothe themselves in humility, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under God's hand so that He may exalt you in His time.
Romans Chapter 14, In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity
faith; weak in the faith; Legalism; Judging Others; the Lord is able; Bema Seat of Christian Judgment; at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW; Stumble
This document contains the summary of a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi on May 6, 2018. The sermon discusses why Christians should not lose heart based on 2 Corinthians 4:1-18. It summarizes that Paul wrote this letter to defend himself and teach the church the truth of the gospel. The sermon explains that Christians have hope and purpose even in suffering because they are being renewed inwardly daily as they carry Christ's light to others, which will result in eternal glory that outweighs any earthly troubles.
This document provides a summary of a sermon given on Philippians 1:1. It discusses the key themes of joy and being servants/slaves of Christ. Some main points:
- True joy comes from being at peace with God and others, not from circumstances. It is a gift from God produced by the Holy Spirit.
- Believers are called to be bond-servants or slaves of Christ, willingly submitting to his authority like an Old Testament slave. Paul referred to himself as a bond-servant, though he had great status and credentials.
- At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be evaluated for rewards based on the eternal works and motives, not saved or unsaved.
The document is a summary of a pastor's Easter retreat talk about running the Christian life like a race. Some key points:
- The Christian life is likened to a race that must be prepared for and run to the end to receive victory/heaven. It has obstacles and difficulties along the way.
- There are different types of believers, both positive (faithful, fruitful) and negative (fallen, frivolous). Believers should aim to be faithful, fulfilling their purpose.
- To finish the race successfully requires being determined, decisive, diligent, disciplined, and focused on God's instructions despite obstacles or opinions of others.
- Only those who endure to
As Christians, our battle is not carnal but spiritual. Very fortunately, God has provided us with weapons and defences against the attacks of the enemy - satan.
In our battle against sin, Christians are commanded to make use of:
1. The Belt of Truth;
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness;
3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace;
4. The Shield of Faith;
5. The Helmet of Salvation; and
6. The Sword of the Spirit.
Read, share and download this beautiful and comprehensive sermon by our beloved Brother Chinasa Ogbonna. God bless you!
The document summarizes a sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon from 1879 on living as Christians among opposition. It provides comfort that Christians will face persecution, as Jesus did, but also advice such as not provoking enemies and overcoming evil with good. The goal is for unbelievers to see Christians' good deeds and praise God. It encourages staying faithful even among "lions" through God's strength and grace.
The document discusses why the Bible is important and unique compared to other books. It says that the Bible takes itself seriously and should therefore be taken seriously. It then provides numerous quotes from the Bible emphasizing that the Bible is the word of God, a source of truth, guidance, protection, and eternal life. It asserts that whatever the Bible says about history, science, and other topics is factually correct.
The catechism provides Christians with three essential things to know in order to live and die in comfort: 1) How great their sins and misery are in order to understand their need for salvation; 2) How they are delivered from all their sins and misery through God's grace; 3) How they are to be thankful to God for such deliverance through their grateful response. It structures these three teachings around the concepts of man's guilt, God's grace, and the believer's gratitude, mirroring the structure of the book of Romans. The catechism uses the word "faithful" to describe Jesus' character, emphasizing his trustworthiness in both saving and keeping all those who belong to him.
The catechism outlines the essential Christian message in three parts: man's misery (guilt), man's deliverance (grace), and man's response (gratitude). It teaches that Jesus is our faithful Savior, who fully redeemed us through his blood and also preserves us as his own. Our only comfort in life and death is belonging to Christ, who saves and keeps us for eternity.
The catechism outlines the essential Christian message in three parts: man's misery (guilt), man's deliverance (grace), and man's response (gratitude). It teaches that Jesus is our faithful Savior, who fully redeemed us through his blood and also preserves us as his own. Our only comfort in life and death is belonging to Christ, who saves and keeps us for eternity.
This sermon discusses why Christians should not give up. It references a Bible passage encouraging believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and persevere. The sermon then summarizes a chapter from 2 Corinthians, noting that Paul explains Christians should not lose heart even when facing challenges, as they have the light of Christ within them and will be renewed each day inwardly as they proclaim the gospel, with the hope of eternal glory.
Similar to 02 February 24, 2013, 2 Timothy 2:3-4 How To Be A Good Soldier In God's Army (20)
The document discusses prophecies from Isaiah about God restoring the heavens and earth and creating a new Jerusalem without weeping or crying. It then discusses passages from the New Testament about how believers should live in light of these prophecies, looking forward to Christ's appearing and purifying themselves. The document also provides summaries about the characteristics and features of Christ's future millennial kingdom based on passages from Isaiah, Psalms, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation.
The document discusses the future reign of Christ on earth based on passages from Isaiah, Psalms, Ezekiel, and Revelation. It describes the main features of the future millennial kingdom as an earthly kingdom where Christ will reign for 1000 years after His second coming. Resurrected saints from all ages will reign with Christ on earth and assist in His rule. The kingdom will be a time of peace and prosperity without evil or harm.
This passage from Isaiah 58 discusses God's condemnation of empty worship rituals among his people that are not accompanied by righteous living and care for the oppressed. God explains that true worship requires loosening bonds of wickedness, sharing with the hungry, and clothing the naked. The prophet Isaiah lived during a time of rebuilding after the exile when the temple had been reconstructed but the city walls remained in ruins. God promises blessings of light, guidance, strength, and renewal for those who repent from sin and pursue justice. The sermon references other passages emphasizing that God desires mercy over sacrifice and that true salvation will come through God himself acting as righteous judge and redeemer through the coming Messiah.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Isaiah 58:1-12. It examines God's condemnation of hypocritical worship among his people, who were going through the motions of fasting and prayer but without true repentance or care for the oppressed. God explains that true worship requires acts of justice, mercy, and humility. The document places this passage in historical context during the post-exilic period when the temple had been rebuilt but Jerusalem's walls remained in disrepair. It concludes by connecting Isaiah's prophecy to the ultimate salvation God provides through Jesus Christ.
1) The document discusses Isaiah 53, which prophesies the coming of Jesus as the suffering servant who would bear the sins of humanity.
2) It analyzes various verses from Isaiah 53 that describe Jesus' humble upbringing, rejection, suffering, and death on the cross in fulfillment of these prophecies.
3) The author argues that the chapter paints a clear picture of Jesus and his redemptive work, though some Jewish people did not accept that it referred to him.
This document provides an analysis and commentary on Isaiah 53:1-12. It discusses how this passage prophesies Jesus as the suffering servant who would bear the sins of humanity. Some key points made include: Jewish people historically did not believe Isaiah 53 referred to Jesus as they were expecting a conquering messiah; the passage depicts the servant as having no beauty or majesty and being despised and rejected; it describes how he would bear our sorrows and be wounded for our transgressions so that through his suffering we can be healed. The document analyzes various verses in depth to draw connections between the prophecy and Jesus' life and crucifixion.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 49:1-13. It summarizes that:
1) The passage promises comfort for God's people and the coming of a Messiah who will be a servant and bring salvation to all nations.
2) Jesus fulfills the prophecies as the suffering servant who is called and named by God from birth to be a light to the Gentiles.
3) The passage prophesies that the servant will be rejected but later worshipped, establish a new covenant, and guide God's people to salvation.
1) The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 49:1-13 from a Sunday school lesson. It examines how this passage prophesies comfort for God's people through a coming servant Messiah and how Jesus fulfills this prophecy.
2) Key points include how Isaiah 49 promises a Messiah who will bring salvation for Israel and all nations, depicted as a servant who is named and empowered by God.
3) The document analyzes how Jesus fulfills this prophecy by being God's chosen servant who is rejected by men but brings salvation, being made a light to the Gentiles and worshipped by all through his death and resurrection.
This document contains the summary of a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses Isaiah 46:3-13, focusing on God's care for his people and how he alone is worthy of worship unlike idols. It includes quotes from the Bible passage and hymns like "His Eye is on the Sparrow" to illustrate the theme that God watches over and protects believers.
This document provides a summary of a Sunday school class discussion on putting God first in all things and trusting in His care. It includes summaries of Bible passages from Isaiah, Psalms, and Matthew discussing not worshipping idols and trusting that God watches over His people. The hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" is analyzed, inspired by verses on God caring for even sparrows. The class discussed how tragedies can humble us and that God saves those who recognize their need.
God instructs Isaiah to comfort God's people with three messages: 1) God is sovereign and in control, even during difficult times. 2) God will fulfill his purposes, such as forgiving Israel and sending a Redeemer. 3) God will sustain his people, though all humanity is transitory except God's eternal word. The prophecy looks forward to Israel's restoration after the coming exile.
The document provides an overview of a Sunday school lesson on Isaiah 40. It discusses the historical context during Isaiah's time, the message of comfort God instructed Isaiah to provide to Judah facing exile, and how this message still applies today. The lesson focuses on how Isaiah conveyed that God is sovereign, will fulfill his purposes, and sustain his people. It also provides biblical references on God's comfort and plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The document provides an overview and summary of Isaiah 34-39 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses the historical context involving King Hezekiah of Judah rebelling against Assyria, the confrontation with Rabshakeh representing Sennacherib, Hezekiah's prayer to God, and God's response promising to defend Jerusalem for his own sake and for David. Key themes are God hearing and answering prayer, defeating the enemies of his people, and bringing hope and salvation.
The document provides a summary of Isaiah 34-39 from a Sunday School class. It discusses the historical context involving King Hezekiah of Judah rebelling against the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 BC. It describes the Rabshakeh threatening Jerusalem on behalf of Sennacherib, and Hezekiah praying to God for deliverance. God responds through Isaiah, promising to deliver Jerusalem and put a spirit in Sennacherib so he returns to his own land.
Isaiah 31 discusses God's promise to protect Israel and Judah if they trust in Him rather than forming alliances with other nations like Egypt. It warns that those who seek protection from Egypt will be put to shame, as the Egyptians are merely mortal while God is all-powerful. The chapter promises that God will come down to defend Jerusalem from Assyria, represented as a lion, and will shield and deliver His people. It calls the Israelites to repent and return to God to receive His protection.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 31. It summarizes that the chapter warns Israel and Judah against forming an alliance with Egypt and relying on Egyptian horses and chariots for protection against Assyria. While Egypt can provide military strength, God promises to protect Jerusalem himself. The chapter exhorts the people to repent from idolatry and return to trusting God for their defense. It prophesies that Assyria will fall not by human hands but by the sword of God in response to their threats against Judah.
God will judge the earth and its inhabitants for their sins and breaking God's covenant. This judgement is described in Isaiah 24-27 and referred to as Isaiah's Apocalypse. However, God also has a plan for salvation and will deliver the remnant of people from the ends of the earth who worship him. Ultimately, God will reign eternally in Jerusalem and provide salvation for all people through his son Jesus Christ.
God will judge the earth and its inhabitants for their sin and breaking of His covenant. Isaiah 24-27 discusses this coming judgement, including how God will devastate the earth and punish both earthly kings and the hosts of heaven. However, it also promises ultimate salvation and a banquet for all people on God's holy mountain when He defeats death. The passage encourages believers that though judgement is coming, God has a plan for hope and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Isaiah 23:1-18. It discusses Tyre's historical relationship with Israel as an important Phoenician seaport city. God prophesied Tyre's destruction through Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great because of the city's pride. The prophecy warns that no place, including Cyprus, will provide rest for Tyre's inhabitants. It also foretells that Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years but trade will slowly resume. The document applies lessons about God's sovereignty over nations and his hatred of pride.
The document provides commentary on Isaiah 23, which prophesies the destruction of the Phoenician city of Tyre. It discusses Tyre's history and relationship with Israel, highlighting its pride and role in commerce and idolatry. The commentary explains how Tyre was destroyed multiple times according to prophecies by Isaiah and Ezekiel, and applies lessons about God's sovereignty over nations.
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The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
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The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
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The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
13. I pledge allegiance to the
Christian Flag and to the
Savior for whose Kingdom
it stands. One Savior,
crucified, risen, and
coming again with life and
liberty to all who believe.
15. I pledge allegiance to the
Bible, God's Holy Word, I
will make it a lamp unto
my feet and a light unto
my path and will hide its
words in my heart that I
might not sin against God.
17. 1. I am an American
fighting man. I serve in
the forces which guard
my country and our way
of life. I am prepared to
give my life in their
defense.
18. 6. I will never forget that I
am an American fighting
man, responsible for my
actions, and dedicated to
the principles which made
my country free.
19. I will trust in my God and
in the United States of
America. (There are no
atheists in foxholes!)
CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR THE U. S.
FIGHTING MAN
20.
21. After Paul wrote the
prison letters of
Colossians and Ephesians,
he wrote 2 Timothy from
prison in Rome around
63 A.D. under very
difficult circumstances.
22. *2 Timothy was the last
letter written by Paul that
appears in the Bible.
23. *Paul's outlook for his
earthly life had darkened
considerably from his
earlier prison letters.
*By this time he didn't
expect to live much
longer. See 2 Tim 4:6-8
24. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 “For I am already
being poured out as a
drink offering, and the
time of my departure has
come.
25. 7 I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the
course, I have kept the
faith;
8 in the future there is laid
up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the
26. Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that
day; and not only to me,
but also to all who have
loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:6-8
28. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 NASB
3 “Suffer hardship with
me, as a good soldier
of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active
service entangles himself
in the affairs of everyday
29. life, so that he may please
the One Who enlisted him
as a soldier.”
30.
31. In his letter to the church
at Ephesus (62A.D.), Paul
had already encouraged
them to “be strong in the
Lord, and in the strength
of His might”(Eph6:10).
Now listen to the military
32. language as Paul says to:
"Put on the full armor of
God, that you may be able
to stand firm against the
schemes of the devil. For
our struggle is not against
flesh and blood,
33. but against the rulers,
against the powers,
against the world forces of
this darkness, against the
spiritual forces of
wickedness in the
heavenly places.
34. Therefore, take up the full
armor of God, that you
may be able to resist in
the evil day, and having
done everything, to stand
firm".
Ephesians 6:11-13
35. Paul also admonished the
believers at Corinth about
the offensive side of that
battle, saying, "Though
we walk in the flesh, we
do not war according to
the flesh, for the weapons
36. of our warfare are not of
the flesh, but divinely
powerful for the
destruction of fortresses.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Our weapons are the
Word of God and prayer!
37. Six talking points of
interest in today’s lesson
concerning what it takes
to be a good soldier in
God’s army:
38. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
39. PRAY
In order to be a good
soldier of Christ Jesus, we
need to be
praying
soldiers!
40. Ephesians 6:17-20 NASB
17 “And take the helmet
of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
18 With all prayer and
petition pray at all times
41. in the Spirit, and with this
in view, be on the alert
(Gideon’s soldiers) with
all perseverance
and petition (tell folks that
your are an intercessor)
for all the saints,
42. 19 and pray on my behalf,
that utterance may be
given to me in the
opening of my mouth, to
make known with
boldness the mystery of
the Gospel,
43. 20 for which I am an
ambassador (about the
King’s business) in chains;
that in proclaiming it I
may speak boldly, as I
ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:17-20 NASB
44.
45.
46.
47. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
48.
49. *No one is better than
anyone else.
*No one is loved more or
loved less by Christ.
50. *We are all equal in
importance when we are
fully obedient to
becoming and doing as
God desires.
*No one is greater than
any other.
51. We are called by no merit
of our own,
gifted by no merit of our
own and talented by no
merit of our own to be
integral but not
indispensable to His will.
52. *We are to be the body of
Christ which gives God
glory together.
*Each one needs every
other one.
*We must hold all other
believers in high esteem.
53. *The only greatness I can
ever achieve is being the
servant of everyone.
*Simple obedience is
God's measure.
*It makes us all equal.
54. 1 Corinthians 12:17-18
17 “If the whole body
were an eye, where would
the hearing be? If the
whole were hearing,
where would the sense of
smell be?
55. 18 But now God
has placed the members,
each one of them, in the
body, just as He desired.”
1 Corinthians 12:17-18
56. Romans 12:3-5 NIV 1984
3 “For by the grace given
me I say to every one of
you: Do not think of
yourself more highly than
you ought, but rather
think of yourself with
57. sober judgment, in
accordance with the
measure of faith God has
given you.
4 Just as each of us has
one body with many
members, and these
58. members do not all have
the same function,
5 so in Christ we who are
many form one body, and
each member belongs to
all the others.”
Romans 12:3-5 NIV 1984
59.
60. *Salvation is the great
equalizer.
*It makes the ground level
at the foot of the cross.
61. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
62. *Paul calls on Timothy to
serve the Lord as a good
soldier of Christ Jesus.
*A spiritual Christian does
not simply do minimum
duty for his Lord but
serves Him with all that
63. he is and all that he has.
The soldier is conditioned
to obedience. The early
training of a soldier is
designed to make him
unquestioningly obey the
word of command.
64. *There may come a time
when such instinctive
obedience will save his
life and the lives of others.
*There is a sense in which
it is no part of the soldier's
duty "to know the reason
65. why.”
“Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.”
*The Charge of the Light
Brigade by
Alfred Lord Tennyson
66.
67. *Involved as a soldier is in
the midst of the battle, he
cannot see the over-all
picture.
*Those decisions he must
leave to the Commander
Who sees the whole field.
68. *The Battle of the Bulge…
*The first Christian duty is
obedience to the voice of
God, and acceptance even
of that which he cannot
understand.
69.
70.
71. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
72.
73. Another mark of a good
soldier that Paul mentions
is the willingness to suffer
hardship.
*One scholar translates
the phrase, "take one's
share of rough treatment."
74. By adding “with me”,
Paul gives assurance that
he would not ask
anything of Timothy that
he himself was not doing
or willing to do.
76. It is difficult for Christians
in the USA to understand
what serious spiritual
warfare and suffering for
Christ really means in
other parts of the world.
78. We are not yet faced with
loss of job, imprisonment,
and execution because of
our faith.
79. With few exceptions,
being a Christian today in
the US will not keep a
student out of college or a
worker from getting a
good job.
80. But the more faithful a
Christian becomes and the
more the Lord blesses his
work, the more Satan will
put roadblocks, rejection,
and hardships in the way.
81. In the near future, the
more evident the spiritual
warfare becomes, the
more frequent and
obvious the hardships
will become.
82. *A soldier in active
service does not have a 9
to 5 job, or even a long 80-
hour work week.
*He is a soldier 24 hours a
day, every day of the year.
*His body, his health, his
83. skills, his time — all that
he is — belong to the
military in which he
serves.
*Even when on leave, he
is subject to recall at any
time, without notice and
84. for any reason.
*Whenever ordered into
dangerous duty, a good
soldier is expected to put
his very life on the line
without question or
hesitation.
85. Consequently, he is
separated from his normal
environment, so that he
will not entangle himself
in the affairs of everyday
life.
86.
87. Entangle himself
translates a passive form
of empleko, which
literally means to weave.
Paul is not speaking about
things that necessarily are
wrong in themselves.
88. It is not that a soldier
should have no contact at
all with his former friends
and surroundings, but
that he is not to become
caught up and enmeshed
in them.
89.
90. Those things that attempt
to weave themselves into
his life are irrelevant to
his soldiering and are
always subject to being
relinquished.
91. Imagine a soldier in the
midst of battle going to
his sergeant or his
lieutenant and saying,
"Sir, I'm sorry to have to
leave, but I have to go
over into the city to see
92. about some business; and
then I have a date with a
local girl, and I just won't
be able to be here for the
battle tonight!"
93. *A great many Christians
are trying to fight like that
today!
*In our culture it is all
about our convenience
and our comfort.
94. A good soldier of Christ
Jesus refuses to allow
earthly matters to
interfere with the
fulfillment of his duty to
his Lord.
95. Don’t allow concerns and
activities that are innocent
in themselves to crowd
out the primary purpose
of serving Jesus Christ in
the advancement of His
kingdom.
96. The contemporary church
in the US seems to have
missed the reality of
spiritual warfare.
Many have heard only the
gospel of easy believism
and cheap grace.
97. They have an inadequate
concept of the spiritual
struggle involved in
loving the Lord Jesus
Christ.
98. Such people often
magnify the petty
temporal annoyances of
everyday life until they
seem like trials of epic
proportions!
*First world problems.
99. That is as absurd as a
soldier in the midst of a
raging firefight
complaining about the
food in the mess hall.
100.
101. Jesus recognized that such
disconnection and call to
duty required of His
faithful disciple, a soldier
in His active service, is
not easy.
102. As He and His disciples
were going along the
road, someone said to
Him, "I will follow You
wherever You go."
103. And Jesus said to him,
"The foxes have holes, and
the birds of the air have
nests, but the Son of Man
has nowhere to lay His
head."
104. And He said to another,
"Follow Me." But he said,
"Permit me first to go and
bury my father." But He
said to him, "Allow the
dead to bury their own
dead; but as for you,
105. go and proclaim
everywhere the kingdom
of God." And another also
said, "I will follow You,
Lord; but first permit me
to say good-bye to those
at home."
106. But Jesus said to him, "No
one, after putting his hand
to the plow and looking
back, is fit for the
kingdom of God."
Luke 9:57-62
107. In the parable of the soils,
"the one on whom seed
was sown among the
thorns, this is the man
who hears the word, and
the worry of the world,
and the deceitfulness of
108. riches choke the word,
and it becomes unfruitful"
(Matthew 13:22).
109. Those are the kind of
professing Christians of
whom Peter speaks:
"If after they have escaped
the defilements of the
world by the knowledge
of the Lord and Savior
110. Jesus Christ, they are
again entangled in them
and are overcome, the last
state has become worse
for them than the first"
(2 Peter 2:20).
111. "The worry of the world,
and the deceitfulness of
riches" of which Jesus
spoke are among the
affairs of everyday life
that can keep one from
faithfully serving Him.
112. Just as the dutiful soldier
places his life willingly on
the line in service of his
country, so the faithful
Christian will willingly
"deny himself, and take
up his cross, and follow
113. Christ" (Matt 16:24).
*He will say with Paul,
"I do not consider my life
of any account as dear to
myself, in order that I
may finish my course, and
the ministry which I
114. received from the Lord
Jesus" (Acts 20:24).
*The good soldier in God’s
army is willing to suffer
hardship for the One Who
paid the ultimate price for
his salvation.
115.
116. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
117. The next mark of a good
soldier is a genuine desire
to please the One Who
enlisted him as a soldier.
118. A Christian's deepest
desire is to please the
Lord Jesus Christ, his
Commander in Chief, the
One Who enlisted him.
119. It is impossible to serve
two commanders in chief,
just as it is impossible to
serve two masters
(Matthew 6:24).
120. The faithful Christian's
fondest hope is to be
rewarded for loyal service
and to hear his Master
say, "Well done, good and
faithful servant; you were
faithful with a few things,
121. I will put you in charge of
many things, enter into
the joy of your master"
(Matthew 25:21).
124. The strong desire to
please other people
instead of pleasing God is
an integral characteristic
of fallen man.
125. Because of the continued
influence of the old self
(Ephesians 4:22), even
Christians are tempted to
be men-pleasers rather
than God-pleasers.
126. Ephesians 4:22-24 NASB
22 “In reference to your
former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self,
which is being corrupted
in accordance with
the lusts of deceit,
127. 23 and that you be
renewed in the spirit of
your mind,
24 and put on the new self,
which in the likeness of
God has been created in
righteousness and
129. Many Christians succumb
to that temptation and
become more concerned
about pleasing their
fellow workers, their
neighbors, and their
friends than about
130. pleasing the Lord.
*That desire inevitably
leads to moral and
spiritual decline, because
pleasing the world,
including worldly
Christians, demands
131. compromise of God's
truth, God's standards,
and personal godliness.
*Pleasing people more
than God demands
forsaking Christ as our
first love.
132. “that he may please the
One Who enlisted him as
a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4b
*The believer has to
establish his priorities –
the fellowship of His
sufferings over comfort.
133. 10 “that I may know Him
(personally) and the
power of His resurrection
(powerfully) and the
fellowship of His
sufferings (passionately),”
Philippians 3:10 NASB
134. Paul is talking about
being so entangled in
worldliness that one is not
able to live the Christian
life that is pleasing to the
Father.
135. We are to recognize that
the Christian life is not a
playground; it is a
battleground.
136. It is a battlefield where
battles are being won, and
where battles are being
lost also.
137. From the situation of the
Ephesian church some
years after Paul wrote this
letter to Timothy (who
was pastoring in
Ephesus), we know that
forsaking Christ as our
138. first love is possible even
when our doctrine is
sound and we toil and
persevere for Him
(see Revelation 2:2-4).
139. When that happens, we
must "remember therefore
from where we have
fallen, and repent" (v. 5).
140. We must remind
ourselves of Paul's
sobering testimony:
"If I were still trying to
please men, I would not
be a bond-servant of
Christ" (Galatians 1:10).
141. When Christ is our first
love, we will "have as our
ambition, whether at
home or absent, to be
pleasing to Him"
(2 Corinthians 5:9).
142. 4 “but just as we have
been approved by God to
be entrusted with the
Gospel, so we speak, not
as pleasing men, but God
Who examines our
hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4
143.
144. 1. Pray!
2. Ground is level.
3. Instant obedience.
4. Willingness to suffer.
5. Desire to please Him.
6. What banner flies over
your head?
148. Exodus 17:9-15 NASB
9 “Moses said to Joshua,
‘Choose men for us and
go out, fight against
Amalek. Tomorrow I will
station myself on the top
of the hill with the staff of
149. God in my hand.’
10 Joshua did as Moses
told him, and fought
against Amalek; and
Moses, Aaron, and Hur
went up to the top of the
hill.
150. 11 So it came about when
Moses held his hand up,
that Israel prevailed, and
when he let his hand
down, Amalek prevailed.
151. 12 But Moses’ hands were
heavy. Then they took a
stone and put it under
him, and he sat on it; and
Aaron and Hur supported
his hands, one on one side
and one on the other.
152. Thus his hands were
steady until the sun set.
13 So Joshua
overwhelmed Amalek
and his people with the
edge of the sword.
153. 14 Then the Lord said to
Moses, “Write this in a
book as a memorial
and recite it to Joshua,
that I will utterly blot out
the memory of Amalek
from under heaven.”
156. This battle was all about God, the battle itself was
orchestrated by God. Moses knew this and wanted
to make certain the Israelites knew it and
remembered it. Nothing that he or they did in the
physical realm brought about victory. God’s
presence and power took them into the battle and
assured the victory when the battle was done.
What battles are you fighting today?
Is the battle you are in one that the Lord has chosen
for you? Strange question, isn’t it? Scripture is very
clear in this particular passage that the Lord, in fact,
chooses certain battles for us to fight. Does He lead
the way as Jehovah Nissi in your current battles?
157. Perhaps the battle you are in is a battle that you have
chosen, one that is outside the will of God? Are you
fighting in your own strength? Are you struggling to
be victorious in the battle? If Jehovah Nissi is leading
the way in your struggle, then you are assured
success, but if you are fighting your battle in your
own strength, your defeat is imminent.
Where in your life do you need God to show
Himself strong as Jehovah Nissi – the Lord my
Banner – and go before you so that you may know
victory?
158. The "banner" would be the battle-standard, a pole,
perhaps with an eye-catching cloth upon it. The Bronze
Serpent was raised on this sort of pole. The altar is built
to commemorate the battle, and what this episode
reveals about the nature and character of Jehovah.
The Lord is our "battle-standard" because we look to
him. Moses had stood above the fray, and his hands
rose and fell (presumably holding the Rod of God), until
Aaron and Hur sat Moses, and upheld his arms to keep
them up. The dry stick wasn't so impressive, but what it
represented to the men fighting in the dells below was
glorious. This was God's battle, not theirs. Moses, and
his rod were pointing the fighters (in his Mediatorial role)
to the Cloud that ever accompanied them.
159. So often in those stories in the wilderness, it seems as though the
children of Israel are oblivious to the Presence, the Angel of the
Lord, until Moses gets them to look, to focus, to see Who it is that
is with them, Who has helped them, Who is for them when their
enemies attack them.
The explanation that follows the Name is significant. "A hand on
the throne of the Lord!" is either an exclamation of outrage (if the
hand is the presumptuous hand of Amalek), or it is an exclamation
of his own oath (upon the seat of his power and authority). But in
any case, the oath is that of The Lord swears to never step back
from this conflict until it is utterly complete, until he has
exterminated Amalek to the last man, woman, and child. He so
identifies himself with this warfare so as to BE what the flag
stands for. "I am the flag, rally to me, and in my strength and by
my will I, and you, will overcome our foes--these in particular,
Amalek and all he stands for."
160. We are weak, but he is strong.
We are a wilderness people. The Promised Land is future.
Our Amalek is the world, the flesh, and the devil. The battle
is the Lord's, but we fight it in his strength, by faith, looking to
our Mediator, keeping our eyes on him. And in his might we
prevail. It's a miracle.
But the focus of the verses is on Moses, the mediator of the
Old Covenant, and what he stands for. He is a type of Christ.
He's literally pointing to the Christ who is with the people in
the Pillar of Cloud. But he's human and has his own sinful
limits. But he is strengthened by the others, who all three
form a kind of "prophet-priest-king" stand. Israel is victorious
ultimately because her mediator is victorious.
161. In other words, I find that the passage is more to the
purpose of teaching me about God, rather than teaching
me about me. But in the process I understand how his
victory means I will have victory over all my enemies,
because God isn't going to rest until he has obliterated
the very memory of his, and our, foes--those who dared
to prey on his little ones trudging through this dangerous
place. So, while in principle I know that ALL my enemies
are defeated, in practice I don't know the manner that
God may use (or the amount of time it will take) to beat a
certain temptation. The story doesn't descend to that
level of detail. Amalek wasn't wiped out that day. The
focus is on the nature of the battle, which helps us
soldier on each day, facing the temptations of that day.
163. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And Moses built an altar,.... On Horeb, as
Aben Ezra; on the top of the hill, as Ben
Gersom, where sacrifices of thanksgiving
were offered up for the victory obtained, or
however a monument erected in memory of
it:
164. and he called the name of it Jehovahnissi; which signifies either "the
Lord is my miracle" who wrought a miracle for them in giving them the
victory over Amalek, as well as, through smiting the rock with the rod,
brought out water from thence for the refreshment of the people, their
children and cattle; or "the Lord is my banner": alluding to the hands of
Moses being lifted up with the rod therein, as a banner displayed, under
which Joshua and Israel fought, and got the victory. This may fitly be
applied to Christ, who is both altar, sacrifice, and priest, and who is the
true Jehovah, and after so called; and who is lifted up as a banner,
standard, or ensign in the everlasting Gospel, in order to gather souls
unto him, and enlist them under him, and to prepare them for war, and
encourage them in it against their spiritual enemies; and as a token of
their victory over them, and a direction to them where they shall stand,
when to march, and whom they shall follow; and to distinguish them
from all other bands and companies, and for the protection of them from
all their enemies, see Isaiah 11:10. These words were inscribed upon
the altar, or the altar was called the altar of Jehovahnissi, in memory of
what was here done; from hence it has been thought (a), that Baachus,
among the Heathens, had his name of Dionysius, as if it was
Jehovahnyssaeus.
165. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Jehovah-nissi - Jehovah is my ensign or banner. The
hands and rod of Moses were held up as soldiers are
wont to hold up their standards in the time of battle; and
as these standards bear the arms of the country, the
soldiers are said to fight under that banner, i.e., under
the direction and in the defense of that government.
Thus the Israelites fought under the direction of God,
and in the defense of his truth; and therefore the name
of Jehovah became the armorial bearing of the whole
congregation. By his direction they fought, and in his
name and strength they conquered; each one feeling
himself, not his own, but the Lord's soldier.
166. Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Jehovah-nissi - See the margin, "Jehovah my
banner." As a proper name the Hebrew word is
rightly preserved. The meaning is evidently that
the name of Yahweh is the true banner under
which victory is certain; so to speak, the motto or
inscription on the banners of the host. Inscriptions
on the royal standard were well known. Each of
the Pharaohs on his accession adopted one in
addition to his official name.
167. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
17:8-16 Israel engaged with Amalek in their own necessary defence. God makes his
people able, and calls them to various services for the good of his church. Joshua fights,
Moses prays, both minister to Israel. The rod was held up, as the banner to encourage
the soldiers. Also to God, by way of appeal to him. Moses was tired. The strongest arm
will fail with being long held out; it is God only whose hand is stretched out still. We do
not find that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting, but Moses' hands were heavy in
praying; the more spiritual any service is, the more apt we are to fail and flag in it. To
convince Israel that the hand of Moses, whom they had been chiding, did more for their
safety than their own hands, his rod than their sword, the success rises and falls as
Moses lifts up or lets down his hands. The church's cause is more or less successful, as
her friends are more or less strong in faith, and fervent in prayer. Moses, the man of
God, is glad of help. We should not be shy, either of asking help from others, or of giving
help to others. The hands of Moses being thus stayed, were steady till the going down of
the sun. It was great encouragement to the people to see Joshua before them in the field
of battle, and Moses above them on the hill. Christ is both to us; our Joshua, the Captain
of our salvation, who fights our battles, and our Moses, who ever lives, making
intercession above, that our faith fail not. Weapons formed against God's Israel cannot
prosper long, and shall be broken at last. Moses must write what had been done, what
Amalek had done against Israel; write their bitter hatred; write their cruel attempts; let
them never be forgotten, nor what God had done for Israel in saving them from Amalek.
Write what should be done; that in process of time Amalek should be totally ruined and
rooted out. Amalek's destruction was typical of the destruction of all the enemies of
Christ and his kingdom.
169. How does Moses respond in Ex 17:15?
Moses built altar
He named the altar Jehovah Nissi
Jehovah Nissi in the Greek (LXX) = "kurios
mou kataphuge" which in English =
"The Lord My Refuge"
For interesting parallel see this same word
kataphuge in (Ps 46:1)
170. Psalm 46:1 (NASB95)
1 God is our refuge and
strength,
A very present help in
trouble.
171. When "Amalek" comes...
Keep your eye on
Jesus Your Jehovah-Nissi
The LORD your Banner
Your Signal
Your Standard to rally under!
To be distracted > look around
To be distressed > look within
To be defeated > look back
To be discouraged > look down
To be delivered > look up
To be delighted > look to Christ
172. Who is Jehovah Nissi?
Isa 11:10 Then it will come about in that day
(what "Day"?) that the nations (who are
"nations" in Scripture?) will resort to the
root of Jesse (Who is this?) Who will stand
as a signal (Hebrew word = nec = banner)
(Isa 11:12) He (Who?) will lift up a standard
(nec) for the nations and will assemble the
banished ones of Israel and will gather the
dispersed of Judah from the four corners of
the earth.
173. Even today a banner is a standard that
bears the colors by which a military unit is
identified and behind which troops rally.
The "standard-bearer" carries the colors and
marching bands are often led by people
carrying a banner that identifies the band,
and after which the musicians fall in line. So
when Moses names the altar Jehovah Nissi,
The Lord is my Banner, he proclaims as a
memorial - "I rally behind Jehovah. It is He
to Whom I look. It is He Whom I will
follow."
174.
175. A wonderful picture of God's protection &
deliverance under imagery of a banner >
Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to those who
fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the
truth. Selah. 5 That Thy beloved may be
delivered, Save with Thy right hand, and answer
us!
Ps 20:5 We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our
banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
176. Even as Moses needed the assistance of Aaron and Hur, so
today those called to spiritual leadership need the
undergirding of the people to whom they minister. How can
you help your pastor, your Bible study leader, etc? Their
work is demanding, often discouraging, and fraught with
many attacks by the "Amalekites". Christian leaders need
your encouragement (word) and support (deed). When was
the last time you "took hold" of your pastor's hand and
verbally expressed your gratitude for his ministry (Psalm
20:5)? A word properly timed will be, in effect, "holding up
his hands," and will help to assure spiritual victory in your
church under the banner of Jehovah Nissi!
O "hold up the hands" of the worker for Christ,
Encourage his soul by your prayer;
A handclasp, a smile, or a word of good cheer,
Will help him life's burdens to bear. G. W.
177.
178. What do we learn of warfare?
Staff of God ~ His "banner over" us
(Song 2:4) symbolizes His presence, His
power & His provision. Even as He
provided food & water He gives us
victory in spiritual warfare. When
confronted with "Amalekites" don't
depend on your zeal or ingenuity to
defeat them but on your rallying point,
Jehovah Nissi (Romans 8:26, 27;
Hebrews 7:25)
179.
180. What some lessons for life?
Moses by the staff in his hand
looked for victory to God alone,
& did not trust the “arm of
flesh”
The Battle is the Lord's, but He
often fights thru His human
instruments like Joshua & the
chosen men.
181.
182. Song of Solomon 2:4
4 “He has brought me to
his banquet hall,
And his banner over me
is love.”
184. Jehovah Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner
The Olympic Games always open with an awe inspiring procession of
athletes from all the participating countries of the world marching
around the field under their country's banner or flag. The flag is their
identification with the sponsoring country and a rallying point for the
athletes and fans. Great cheers go up from the citizens of each country
as their team goes by with the flag waving back and forth.
We rally 'round the flag each Fourth of July in the United States to
celebrate our freedom. We wave flags, bake flag cakes, display flags and
sing a song about our flag - the Star Spangled Banner, at the opening of
every baseball game.
The most important thing flags or banners do, however, is mark victory.
It is well understood that the conquering army in any battle has the
right to remove the defeated country's flag and replace it with their
own, usually in the highest spot possible for all to see. The country with
the conquering flag has won and now they are in control.
185. THE LORD IS MY BANNER
It was over a great battle in the Old Testament that God revealed himself as
Jehovah Nissi, THE LORD IS MY BANNER. It happened at the time when
Israel was wandering in the wilderness after miraculously crossing the Red Sea.
Amalek was the enemy who came against Israel in Rephidim. In Exodus 17:8-16
Moses called on his young apprentice, Joshua, to lead the Israelites into battle
while he stationed himself on top of a hill to pray. He had with him his brother
Aaron and his assistant, Hur. As Moses lifted his hands and prayed, the
Israelites prevailed in the battle but when he let his hands down, Amalek
prevailed. So Aaron and Hur set Moses on a rock and held his hands up for him
until the battle was totally won.
At the end of the day there was victory and God told Moses to write down
what had happened and read it in Joshua's hearing. God was thinking ahead to
the time when Moses would be gone and Joshua would be called upon to take
over leadership of God's chosen people. Joshua would be the one to cross the
Jordan River into Canaan (the Promised Land) and defeat Jericho. He would
have plenty of battles ahead of him and God wanted him to remember back to
this one and the victory God had given them.
186. Instead of raising a flag, Moses built an altar because in those times, an
altar was often used as a place of remembering or marking an important
event. This is where Moses called God Jehovah Nissi because he
understood the revelation that God himself is our banner, our victory.
He is the one who wins our battles. He still does that by the way. When
Moses wrote that story down for Joshua, he was also writing it down for
our benefit so that we will remember it as we go into battle. How do we
know that?
There is an interesting thing that God says when he tells Moses to write
down the story. God says that he "…will utterly blot out the
remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." (verse 14b) That means
that this enemy would not rise again - he was defeated UTTERLY. In
verse 16, however, Moses says; "…the Lord has sworn: the Lord will
have war with Amalek from generation to generation." How is it that
God is saying the enemy was completely defeated and yet that there
would be future wars with Amalek in future generations?
187. Amalek in this story represents our enemy, Satan, who is active against God's
people in all generations. Even though the literal "Amalek" at that time was
completely defeated by Israel's army, other Amaleks would rise up against
Israel and on down to you and me in our own generation. When you gather
under Jehovah Nissi as your banner, trust him that the outcome of your battle
will be the same as it was for Moses and Joshua at Rephidim. God is saying
there will always be war; don't be surprised by it. He is also saying he is
always the winner.
What is your battle right now?
Drugs? Pornography? Bitterness? Loneliness? Cancer? Dissention? Depression?
Hopelessness? Bankruptcy? Injustice? The list goes on and on and if I haven't
named your battleground you can just fill in the blank. You know what you are
at war with and you know that in the heat of battle it is hard to see the victory
at the end. Remember Jehovah Nissi. Call upon Jehovah Nissi. Raise your
hands in prayer the way Moses did. Don't give up. Ask others to hold your
hands up if you get tired. God is faithful to fulfill his word. When your battle is
over you will have the right to replace your enemy's flag with your own. Set it
on high for all to see that Jehovah Nissi is your God who has secured your
victory.
188.
189.
190.
191.
192.
193.
194.
195. Paul does not exhort Timothy to be a common, or ordinary soldier, but to be a
“good soldier of Jesus Christ”; for all soldiers, and all true soldiers, may not be
good soldiers. There are men who are only just soldiers and nothing more; they
only need sufficient temptation and they readily become cowardly, idle,
useless and worthless; but he is the good soldier who is the bravest of the
brave, courageous at all times, who is zealous, does his duty with heart and
earnestness. He is the good soldier of Jesus Christ who, through grace, plans to
make himself as able to serve his Lord as shall be possible, who tries to grow in
grace and to be perfected in every good word and work, so that he may be in
his Master’s battles fit for the roughest and most stern service, and ready to
bear the very brunt of the fray. David had many soldiers, and good soldiers
too, but you remember it was said of many, “These did not attain to the first
three.” Now Paul, if I read him correctly, would have Timothy try to be among
the first three, to be a good soldier. And surely I would this morning say to my
dear comrades in the little army of Christ meeting here, let each one of us try to
attain to the first three; let us ask to be numbered among the King’s mighties,
to do noble work for him and honourable service, so that we may bring to our
Master’s cause new glory. May it be ours to covet earnestly the best gifts, and
since we have had much forgiven, let us love much, and prove that love by our
actions.
196.
197.
198.
199.
200.
201.
202.
203.
204.
205.
206.
207.
208.
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
214. Our part in the Kingdom of God
is dependent upon our
obedience to God's calling.
215.
216.
217. A good soldier is all about pleasing his commanding officer
He is fully committed and involved in his duty; not worried about
anything or anybody else.
In the secular field, people may “please” their superiors in various
ways; but God cannot be pleased by tricks or treats, nor is He a
respector of persons. God is serious about commitment. He is looking
for genuine people.
Today, we see two types of churches: performance oriented and
preference oriented. One is like “Cain” and the other, like “Abel”.
Performance-oriented churches focus on the outward things.
There you will see all the elements and programs that make it look
professional: music with or without meaning, programs without power
and dancing without joy. You may see people laughing, but not smiling.
Everything is from the head, not heart. It is more about using techniques
and technology, than tears.
218. On the other hand, in a Church where God is preferred, you will
experience the power and the presence of God; programs are
secondary.
There, you may see people crying and getting deliverance!
Driven by tears than techniques and a passion for God, you see
authentic people worshipping an awesome God, in the anointing
of the spirit. The word of God is delivered as it is, without any
twists, turns or modifications!
A good soldier does not make assumptions; instead, he/she keeps
communicating with the commanding officer (C. O.) and makes
sure that each move is made according to the directions from the
C. O.
When things are done with human wisdom instead of divine
guidance, all you get is some “performance”, not results.
219. Do you go to a Church that is simply focussed on performance, or
one that touches the lives of people with the power of God?
What about your own life? Is it about pleasing God or just a
“performance”?
God bless you and speak to you. Let “pleasing God” become your
priority!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking to me. Help me to be a
person pleasing you with all that I do-worship, work and in all
walks and ways of life. Let my life be spirit-lead and one that
makes sense to you. Amen.
“When you focus on pleasing God, you can’t focus on your
performance; it is one or the other”.