The Cycle of Giving | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

 1. Recognize that we have been Given to

1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)

"Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Colossians 2:13–14 (ESV)

"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

2. In return Give cheerfully 

We give only with a cheerful heart. Any other gift isn’t worth giving. 

2 Corinthians 9:

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

3. He rewards our heart to give

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way………

4. We Praise the provider

11 (cont.) …… which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

The Leper Who Returned (Luke 17:11–19)

Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—returned to praise God, falling at Jesus' feet and thanking Him. Jesus said:

The Ten Lepers
Luke 17:11–19

11 While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance 13 and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14 When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 “Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine? 18 Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?”

19 Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well!”

The phrase "has made you well" is translated from the Greek 

"σέσωκέν σε" (sesōken se), which can also mean "has saved you." 

This dual meaning reflects the holistic nature of Jesus' healing—addressing both physical and spiritual needs.


20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

They were looking for the messiah to usher in a physical kingdom…. So they missed HIM!

26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

More than Money | Pastor Chris Searcy | 11.24.24

More than money
The heart of giving

"More than money: The Heart of Giving"

1. The Macedonian Example: Generosity Amid Hardship (2

Corinthians 8:1-5)

8 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among

the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy

and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For

they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their

own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the

saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and

then by the will of God to us.

Context: Paul speaks to the Corinthians about the churches of Macedonia, who,

despite their own poverty and affliction, gave generously to help their brothers and

sisters in Christ.

Principle: The Macedonian churches gave “beyond their means” not out of wealth but

out of faith and love, driven by their joy in Christ and commitment to support others.

Application for Today: Like the Macedonians, many of us may not feel wealthy or

comfortable. Yet, God sees the heart and honors even the smallest gift. when it’s given

with joy and faith. Giving in hard times is an act of trust in God, a way to place our

“treasure” and, therefore, our “heart” in His hands (Matthew 6:21).

2. Dorcas (Tabitha) Legacy: Giving of Time and Talents (Acts 9:36-42)

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means

Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill

and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since

Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him,

urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them.

And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him

weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with

them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the

body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she

sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and

widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa,

and many believed in the Lord.

Context: Dorcas, a disciple in Joppa, was known for her “good works and acts of

charity.” She used her skills to make clothes for the needy, especially for widows. Her

generosity was so impactful that, when she died, the widows and disciples sought Peter

to come and help.

Principle: Generosity is not limited to financial giving. Dorcas gave her time and talents

to serve her community, and her work was a ministry of love that left a lasting legacy.

Application for Today: Even if we don’t feel we have the financial means to give, we all

have gifts and talents that God can use to bless others. We can follow Dorcas’s

example by using our abilities—whether through serving, creating, teaching, or

helping—to make a difference.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his

household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 John 3:16-18

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our

lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in

need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little

children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Practical Takeaways

Consider How You Can Give—Not Just Money, but also Time and Talents: Like

Dorcas, find ways to bless others with your unique skills, whether that’s making meals,

offering a listening ear, or sharing an encouraging word.

Trust God’s Provision and Give from the Heart: In economic hardships, giving

financially might feel intimidating. But God honors even the smallest gift given with love,

and He is faithful to provide for our needs.

Remember the Joy in Giving as an Act of Worship: The Macedonians found joy in

their giving, even in hardship. We too can experience the joy of blessing others,

knowing we’re part of God’s work and are representing His love to a world in need.

The Foundation of Giving | Pastor Tre Townsley | 11.10.24

The Foundation of Giving

 Matthew 10:8  “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

 Giving is progressive

 To be an effective giver, I must first be an effective recipient

 1 Corinthians 11:23 ”For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you”

 Paul is an effective minister (giver) of the gospel because of what he received

 Ephesians 3:6-7 ”6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power”

 John 4:5-29, 39-42 ”5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” 27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?” 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”  

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

 Jesus asked her for a drink of water,  but she rejected him 

“7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?”

 Jesus presents her an opportunity to become a recipient

“10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew (eido: to properly see, consider, perceive with any of the senses) the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

 Key #1: To Properly Perceive the Holy Spirit

 Matthew 12:22-32   ”22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”

25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.”

 Key #2: To Ask

Matthew 7:7 ”Ask, and it will be given to you”

Matthew 6:8b ”For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

 Key #3: To Recognize Your Need

“19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive (theoreo: to discern, behold, perceive) that You are a prophet.”

“16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

Luke 18:35-43 ”35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you? ”He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

Mark 5:22-34 ”22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Election Wednesday | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10.30.24

 

Election Wednesday

The What

The US is not a pure or direct Democracy. The U.S. is a constitutional republic and, more specifically, a representative democracy.

Constitutional Republic

• In a constitutional republic, elected officials represent the people, and their powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

• Laws and governance are conducted according to the rules of the Constitution, which protects certain individual rights regardless of majority rule.

Representative Democracy

• Rather than direct voting on most national policies or leaders, citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

• The Electoral College is a form of indirect representation. Rather than a direct popular vote for the president, the system delegates that decision to a body of electors who, ideally, represent their states' choices.

The president is selected by the Electoral College:

The Electoral College was established as a compromise during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

The framers of the U.S. Constitution created it to address a central question: how to fairly elect the president of a new nation with a diverse population and strong, independent states.

Balancing Large (populous) and Small (less populous) States:

Direct election by popular vote alone would give large states more power. while letting Congress elect the president could overly concentrate power in the legislature.

Safeguarding Against Uninformed Voting:

Electoral College was presumed to be well informed.

Federalism and State Sovereignty:

Federalism: a principle or system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs

The Electoral College fits within the federalist structure of the U.S. government. By giving each state a certain number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress, the system respects state sovereignty while uniting the country under one chief executive.

Basic Structure of the Electoral College:

Electoral Votes: Each state has a set number of electoral votes, equal to its total representation in Congress (Senators + Representatives).

How Its calculated:

Electoral Votes = Number of Senators (2) +Number of Representatives

Senators: Each state has 2 senators, giving every state at least two electoral votes.

Representatives: Each state’s number of representatives is based on its population, with more populous states receiving more representatives. The total number of representatives is capped at 435 and is redistributed among the states every 10 years based on the U.S. Census.

For example:

California: 2 Senators + 52 representatives = 54 electoral votes

Alabama: 2 Senators + 7 representatives = 9 Electoral Votes

*each state guaranteed 1 representative. the remaining seats (usually 385 out of the 435 total) are distributed using a mathematical formula called the "method of equal proportions."

Electors: Political parties usually select electors before the general election, and these electors pledge to vote for the presidential candidate who wins their state’s popular vote.

Winning the Presidency: A candidate must secure a majority of the electoral votes (currently at least 270 out of 538) to win the presidency.

The Why

Why Christian should vote?

The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention, mandate or command voting. 

In fact if you are a believer you are a part of another Nation. See: Revelation 5:9-10 Galatians 3:28

However, voting is a way to exercise biblical principles and advocate for morality and righteous. 

Responsibility and Stewardship

• Romans 13:1-7

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."

• 1 Peter 2:13-17

"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

1. Since we are to live in subjection to authority it would be in the believers’ best interest to vote for those who they are to be subject to.

2. Secondarily, leaders are called ministers of God, and servants so it would behoove believers to vote for those who resemble those characteristics, or the candidate who will allow them believers to continue to do so. 

3. Lastly, it would be imperative for a believer to vote for the candidate who will uphold or promote biblical values and freedom of worship. 

Seeking Justice and Promoting Good

The historical context of Micah 6:8 takes place during the 8th century BC, a time when the kingdom of Israel was divided into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Micah, a prophet from Judah, spoke to the people of both kingdoms during a period of significant social and political upheaval.

During Micah’s time, both kingdoms were experiencing moral decay, corruption, and social injustice. The wealthy and powerful were exploiting the poor, using dishonest measures in trade, seizing land, and engaging in bribery. Idolatry was widespread, and the leaders of the people, including priests and prophets, were complicit in these injustices.

• Micah 6:8

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

• Proverbs 31:8-9

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

For Who

Now comes the big question, FOR WHO?

To answer that question we must first see what God requires of man, because we have discovered the reasons for a Christian to vote are Responsibility and Stewardship and Seeking Justice and promoting good. 

We will start with the foundational biblical requirements, the Ten Commandments.

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

(Exodus 20:3)

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

(Exodus 20:4)

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

(Exodus 20:7)

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

(Exodus 20:8)

5. Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

(Exodus 20:12)

6. You shall not murder.

(Exodus 20:13)

7. You shall not commit adultery.

(Exodus 20:14)

8. You shall not steal.

(Exodus 20:15)

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

(Exodus 20:16)

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.

(Exodus 20:17)

The bible speaks more to what biblical morality looks like: 

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV)

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

2. Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

4. Revelation 21:8 (ESV)

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

3. Ephesians 5:5 (6-15) (ESV)

"For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

    and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Christian Values Chart

Does their platform promote or accept these anti-Christian values

Anti Christian Practices Chart

What happens historically when nations turn away from God

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 takes place near the end of Moses’ leadership over Israel, as he prepares them to enter the Promised Land. 

The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith in God’s promises. Now, on the edge of the land, Moses gives his final instructions and warnings, urging the people to remain faithful to God.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (ESV): 15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.

Approx 400 years later (David’s reign) 

We see this play out. 

The book of 2 Chronicles tells the story of 21 different Kings of the southern Kingdom of Judah (split from Northern Israel) 

Solomon – Reigns from 2 Chronicles 1-9.

Rehoboam – 2 Chronicles 10-12

Abijah – 2 Chronicles 13

Asa – 2 Chronicles 14-16

Jehoshaphat – 2 Chronicles 17-20

Jehoram – 2 Chronicles 21

Ahaziah – 2 Chronicles 22

Athaliah (Queen) – 2 Chronicles 22-23 (although she was a queen and not a king, she ruled for six years as the sole monarch).

Joash – 2 Chronicles 24

Amaziah – 2 Chronicles 25

Uzziah (Azariah) – 2 Chronicles 26

Jotham – 2 Chronicles 27

Ahaz – 2 Chronicles 28

Hezekiah – 2 Chronicles 29-32

Manasseh – 2 Chronicles 33

Amon – 2 Chronicles 33

Josiah – 2 Chronicles 34-35

Jehoahaz – 2 Chronicles 36

Jehoiakim – 2 Chronicles 36

Jehoiachin – 2 Chronicles 36

Zedekiah – 2 Chronicles 36

Faithful Kings Chart

Unfaithful Kings Chart

When leaders follow God the people live and multiply, when leaders turn away to other Gods the people perish.

1. Worship of Baal and Asherah

• Practiced by Kings: Rehoboam, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Ahaz, Manasseh, and others.

• Description: Baal was a Canaanite god of fertility and weather, while Asherah was a goddess associated with fertility. Worship included setting up altars, poles (Asherim), and shrines on high places.

2. Setting Up High Places for Sacrifice and Worship

• Practiced by Kings: Rehoboam, Jehoram, Joash, Ahaz, and others.

• Description: High places were altars or shrines set up on hills or elevated areas where sacrifices and offerings were made to various gods. These locations often featured idolatrous practices, such as animal sacrifices or incense burning to pagan gods.

3. Offering Child Sacrifices in the Valley of Hinnom (Topheth)

• Practiced by Kings: Ahaz and Manasseh.

• Description: Kings like Ahaz and Manasseh engaged in the horrific practice of child sacrifice, burning their children as offerings to the god Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (also called Topheth).

• Leviticus 18:21 You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

• Matthew 18:5-6. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

• Ezekiel 16:20-21 20 And you took your sons and your daughters, whom you had borne to me, and these you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Were your whorings so small a matter 21 that you slaughtered my children and delivered them up as an offering by fire to them? 

(Not her body, not her choice)

4. Sexual Immorality

• Practiced by Kings: Rehoboam, Manasseh, and Ahaz.

• Description: Many pagan religions, especially the worship of Baal and Asherah (Canaanite fertility gods), included homosexual and heterosexual ritual prostitution. People believed that engaging in sexual acts with temple prostitutes would encourage the gods to bless them with fertility, agricultural abundance, and prosperity.

5. Bringing Idols and Altars into the Temple of the Lord

• Practiced by Kings: Ahaz and Manasseh.

• Description: Kings like Ahaz installed altars and idols of foreign gods within the temple itself, defiling the sacred space intended for the worship of Yahweh alone.

6. Consulting Mediums, Spirits, and Divination &Astrology

• Practiced by Kings: Manasseh and others.

• Description: Manasseh consulted mediums, necromancers, and engaged in sorcery and divination practices, which were associated with pagan religions and forbidden by God. (Leviticus 19:31)

7. Making Alliances with Pagan Nations and Adopting Their Gods

• Practiced by Kings: Ahaz and others.

• Description: Kings like Ahaz sought alliances with powerful nations like Assyria and adopted their gods and religious practices, hoping to secure military support.

Platform Chart

Questions to consider

1. Is there a difference between my party and my morality? 

2. How does the party’s views on religious freedom align with my beliefs about worship and religious practice in public and private life?

3. What are the candidates' stances on life issues, such as abortion, and how do these align with my views on the sanctity of life?

4. Does the candidate respect the role of parents in educating and raising their children, including issues related to school choice and curriculum content?

5. How does each candidate’s stance on family and gender policies align with biblical teachings on marriage, sexuality, and family structure?

6. What role do I believe government should have in addressing poverty and caring for the vulnerable, and which candidate's approach best aligns with these beliefs?

7. How do the candidates view and approach justice and law, especially in policies around crime, incarceration, and rehabilitation?

8. Does the candidate’s plan to address environmental issues reflect a biblical view of stewardship and care for creation?

9. In what ways does each candidate's immigration policy align with Christian values of compassion, hospitality, and respect for law?

10. Is there consistency between each candidate's personal conduct and the policies they support, and how important is this alignment to my voting decision?

A Lifestyle of Holiness and Thanksgiving | Pastor Tre Townsley | 10.27.24

A Lifestyle of Holiness and Thanksgiving

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

• Imitate God as a child imitates his/her parents

• Walk in love, Christ’s actions being the example to follow

• 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints 

• Saint: /hagios/ sacred, pure, holy

• We are not taught to become holy, but to be holy

• Leviticus 11:44  “For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy”

• 1 Corinthians 7:34b “The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.”

• Ephesians 1:4 “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”

• Ephesians 5:27 “that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish”

• 1 Peter 1:15 “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct”

• 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 

• We are taught to chase after holiness

• Hebrews 12:14 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”

• Holiness: /hagiasmos/ sanctification; the effect of consecration

• 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

• Thanksgiving keeps us humble

• Thanksgiving causes us to realize/recount all that we do have

 

 

 

 

Following Christ Example of Love | Pastor Chris | 10.20.24

 Following Christ's Example of Love

Last Week: Kingdom Etiquette

Ephesians 4

 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Following Christ's Example of Love:

Ephesians 5:

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave

himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Paul says for us to walk in love how Jesus walked in love.

But how did Jesus walk in love…. What did that look like?

CONTEXT:

Jesus in Matthew 4 was just tempted by the Devil and succeeds!

He then begins his ministry and picks his disciples.

His fame grows rapidly and multitudes followed him, leading to there “sermon on the mount”

Matthew 7:28,29

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he

was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Examples of Christ’s Love

1. Jesus Heals the Leper Mark 1:40-45 (ESV): Compassionate

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me

clean." 41 Moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, "I

will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

2. The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:3-11) Merciful

3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her

in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in

the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test

him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his

finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him

who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down

and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the

older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and

said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

3. The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood Luke 8:43-48 Unconditional

43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had

spent all her living on physicians,[f] she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him

and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And

Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter[g] said, “Master, the crowds

surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive

that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came

trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had

touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your

faith has made you well; go in peace.”

4. The cross Sacrificial

Adam & Eve sinned…. Man spiraled…. God wrapped himself in flesh came as a baby through a

virgin Mary….. Garden of Gethsemane…. Took the wrath of the father so that we could be clean.

Takeaway: Christ’s love was: Compassionate, Merciful, Unconditional, Sacrificial

We should be:

Compassionate:

1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart

against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Merciful:

Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

Unconditional:

Give love without expectation of return, even to those who are different

Sacrificial:

Deny ourselves for the sake of loving others:

Renewing the Mind: Putting On the New Self | Pastor Chris | 10am

Renewing the Mind: Putting On the New Self

1 John 2:15, 17 (ESV):

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the

Father is not in him. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does

the will of God abides forever.

Ephesians 4:17-32

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the

futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God

because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become

callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of

impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard

about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which

belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be

renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the

likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor,

for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on

your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let

him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with

anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for

building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve

the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness

and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be

kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Focus on:

Kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness as God in Christ has shown.

Warning:

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

1. Disobedience to God's Commands

Isaiah 63:10 (ESV): "But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned

to be their enemy, and himself fought against them."

2. Sinning Deliberately

Hebrews 10:26-29 (ESV): "...how much worse punishment, do you think, will be

deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God...and has outraged

the Spirit of grace?"

Conclusion:

Summary: Putting on the new self involves an intentional shift in our speech,

emotions, actions, and attitudes.

Challenge: Commit to living out these principles daily as a reflection of our new

Putting off the Old Self and Putting on the New Self | Pastor Lance | 10am

Putting off the Old Self and Putting on the New Self


What is a human?  The Bible says that we are much more than just our physical body.  Today, we are talking about two very important persons, which the King James Version refers to as the “old man” and the “new man”. These two persons are referred to in the more modern or recent translations as “the old self” and “the new self.”  

What you do about these two persons that reside inside you will certainly impact your life here on earth, and could very well determine your eternal destiny.

To truly understand it, we honestly need to go back to the beginning.  

Genesis 1:26 ESV “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  

God is a spirit (John 4:24. Genesis 1:2).  This is why even though God made man to live on this earth in a physical body, he also gave us a spiritual body:

1 Corinthians 15:44 NLT shows that we have both a physical body, and a spiritual body.  The verse says, “They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.”

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

God is made of three persons, and we are made in His image and likeness.  This is why the apostle Paul said in:  

1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify (to make holy, i.e. purify or consecrate) you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

So, since we are made in God’s image and likeness, we should easily thing and act in line with the one who made us.  But, clearly, that doesn’t happen.  We engage in sin far to easily and often. 

So what happened to mankind that was so wrong?  Let’s go back to the garden.  “Through sin man’s spirit has been alienated or cut off from the life that is in God. Therefore, before regeneration, before rebirth, man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. This death happens the moment that man turns away from God in disobedience. In Genesis 2:17 the Lord warned Adam “the day that you eat of that forbidden tree you will surely die.” Adam did not die physically for many, many years, but he died spiritually the moment he transgressed the commandment of God. At that moment his fellowship with God was broken, he was cut off. 

Natural, unregenerate man is spiritually dead, he’s in darkness, he’s blind, he cannot see.”1  Derek Prince

Romans 5:12 ESV “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.”

This is why Jesus said the following to Nicodemus when he was visiting him:

John 3:3 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again (from above) he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5-7   Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.   7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

This is actually spoken of in John 1:12-13, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Putting of the old self, and then putting on the new self

Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner (live or lead a life) worthy of the calling/vocation to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:17- 24ESV “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility (inutility/uselessness) of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.  (NLT:  They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity).
20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self (man), which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

Different translations:  Remove, lay or put aside, cast off:  let us lay aside
ἀποθώμεθα (apothōmetha)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.

 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds (thoughts and attitudes), 24 and to put on the new self (new nature), created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

to put on
ἐνδύσασθαι (endysasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1746: To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing.



Colossian 3:1-17 “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. 
Put to death,
Νεκρώσατε (Nekrōsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3499: Lit. and met: I put to death, make as dead; I render weak, impotent. From nekros; to deaden, i.e. to subdue.

ESV:  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:  sexual immorality, impurity, passion (lust), evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
NLT:  Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. (many translations add: upon the sons of disobedience). 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of (Strong's 659:  Apothesthe:  To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.), anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off (taken off, put off, laid aside) your old sinful nature and ALL its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Strong's 1746:  (endysamenoi)- To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing.
 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric (foreigner), uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.  (See Galatians 3:28, 1 Samuel 16:7, John 7:24, Acts 1034-35, 2 Cor. 5:16).

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Looking back at Ephesians 4:20-31 NLT “But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. (unwholesome
σαπρὸς (sapros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4550: Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless)

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Romans 13:8-14 NLT “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.”  These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living (light).  Remove, lay or put aside, cast off:  let us lay aside
ἀποθώμεθα (apothōmetha)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.

13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 8:1-15 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, (KJV: who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit).   And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.  So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”

Clearly, all of this matters.  Furthermore, Jesus said there are eternal consequences to all of this.

Two important parables

Jesus told a very important parable in Mark 4, Matthew 13 and Luke 8, called the parable of the Sower.  

Jesus explains the parable, and highlights 2 types of people that receive the gospel, even with joy, but then ultimately fall away:


Mark 4:13- 20 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? (NLT: “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?) 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.[a] 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells a parable of a king that hosted a great wedding feast for his son and ended up inviting all the people in the land to come.  But then something very interesting happened:  

Matthew 22:11- 14 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

From Minister John Piper regarding this passage:  “There will be many shocked church goers when the Lord comes, who think that they have responded to the Lord's invitation to come to the banquet of heaven, but in fact have never really, with their hearts, entered his school to get ready. They walk in the door, as it were, when the bell rings, but they don't listen to him. With their lips they honor him as the schoolmaster, but their hearts are far away. It's as though they were not even there. When the Master says, "Change your clothes," they adjust their collars or shine their shoes, or tuck in their shirts, but they won't take off those cherished habits. They won't strip away those old attitudes of racism, or the love of money, or the addiction to pornography. They want the hope of heaven, but they won't dress for heaven. They won't change their clothes. And Jesus says in the end on the graduation day, "Bind him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness." He had never really enrolled with his heart. It was all a show.

So when Paul says, put off the old person and put on the new person, he is not talking about an optional elective that some true Christians enroll in and others don't. This is the core curriculum in the school of Christ. It is a requirement for graduation. There is a holiness without which we will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Therefore (as v. Eph. 4:24 says) put on the new person created after the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.”

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/put-on-the-new-person 

How to win:  

A.  Just do it. And do it daily.  make putting on the new man, and putting off the old man a part of what you do each day.  

Matthew 9:23-25 “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”

Jesus repeats this exact same admonition to his disciples in Matthew 16, and then he adds:
Matthew 16:25 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”  

James 4:1-10 “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?  2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people!  Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity (hostility, alienation) with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  (NLT:  Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.)
 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

I Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  See also, Lamentations 3:22-24

B.  Walk by the Spirit:  

Galatians 5:16-18  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  

Romans 8:6, 12-14 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”


C. Keep your eyes, and your focus on Jesus:  

Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off (Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, etc.) every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

D.  Accept and be a doer of God’s word:  

James 1:19-22 NLT “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger[g] does not produce the righteousness[h] God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 

E.  Have faith in God:  

I John 5:3-5 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, 4because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. 5Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

1 John 4:4 You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world


F.  Receives the instruction from Grace:  

Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, it instructs us (teaches us) to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”  

Further study:   

1. Functions Of Spirit, Soul And Body by Derek Prince:  https://www.derekprince.com/sermons/43 

https://www.derekprince.com/radio/521 

2. Put on the New Person by John Piper:  https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/put-on-the-new-person 

More scriptures for further study:

Ephesians 5:1-5 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.   3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

1 Peter 2:11 (AMP) Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul.

Romans 6:12-13 AMP  “Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.  13Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.”


Romans 13:8- 14 ESV “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

Romans 6:6  knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

1 Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

1 Timothy 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

2 Peter 1:5-9 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
it instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.

Ephesians 5:3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;

Englishman's Concordance

Strong's Greek: 659. ἀποτίθημι (apotithémi) — 9 Occurrences

Matthew 14:3 V-AIM-3S

GRK: ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο διὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα

NAS: he bound him and put him in prison

INT: in prison put [him] on account of Herodias

Acts 7:58 V-AIM-3P

GRK: οἱ μάρτυρες ἀπέθεντο τὰ ἱμάτια

NAS: [him]; and the witnesses laid aside their robes

KJV: the witnesses laid down their

INT: the witnesses laid aside the garments

Romans 13:12 V-ASM-1P

GRK: ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ

NAS: Therefore let us lay aside the deeds

KJV: therefore cast off the works

INT: [the] day has drawn near we should cast off therefore the

Ephesians 4:22 V-ANM

GRK: ἀποθέσθαι ὑμᾶς κατὰ

NAS: manner of life, you lay aside the old

KJV: That ye put off concerning the former

INT: to have put off you according to

Ephesians 4:25 V-APM-NMP

GRK: Διὸ ἀποθέμενοι τὸ ψεῦδος

NAS: Therefore, laying aside falsehood,

KJV: Wherefore putting away lying, speak

INT: Therefore having put off falsehood

Colossians 3:8 V-AMM-2P

GRK: νυνὶ δὲ ἀπόθεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς

NAS: But now you also, put them all aside:

KJV: ye also put off all these; anger,

INT: now moreover put off also you

Hebrews 12:1 V-APM-NMP

GRK: μαρτύρων ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ

NAS: us, let us also lay aside every

KJV: let us lay aside every weight,

INT: of witnesses weight having laid aside every and

James 1:21 V-APM-NMP

GRK: διὸ ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν

NAS: Therefore, putting aside all

KJV: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness

INT: Therefore having laid aside all filthiness

1 Peter 2:1 V-APM-NMP

GRK: Ἀποθέμενοι οὖν πᾶσαν

NAS: Therefore, putting aside all malice

KJV: Wherefore laying aside all malice,

INT: Having laid aside therefore all

https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_659.htm