Sunday, October 6, 2024

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

Sunday, September 22, 2024

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 



Sunday, September 15, 2024

The Morning After | Pastor Chris | 10am



The Morning After

 

Last week: What sustains us in this walk of death to self

 

Next week: Lance putting off the Old Self and Putting On the New Self

 

 

Coercion - the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats:

 


James 1:12-14
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

 

 

 

“In the garden what did God say?”

Genesis 2:16-17 (ESV):

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"

What did the devil say?

Genesis 1:4-6

4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

 

Identify the lie:

•    “This time will be different”

•   “Whats the harm”

•   “You only live once”

•   “It aint that bad”

 

 

 

James 1:15

15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

1 Call sin what is sin

 

2 Fight

            1 Corinthians 9
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3 Find accountability

The hard part in this battle against Good and evil… the final Boss…. Is you!

Because the devil cant make you do anything. He can only present you with a choice……

Its impossible to fight yourself by yourself!

 

 

Sunday, September 8, 2024

He Will Also Descend | Pastor Chris Searcy | 9.8.24

He Will Also Descend


Ephesians 4:9-13

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have

received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in

love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly

regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in

order to fill the whole universe.) 

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and

teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built

up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become

mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.


Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples

when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails

were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the

doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then

he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my

side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those

who have not seen and yet have believed.”


John 16:33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will

have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Christian Swag | Pastor Kyle Searcy | 10am

The Christian Swag!


Eph 4:1-3

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you

were called, 2  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in

love, 3  endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4  There is one body and

one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

6  one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.


I. OUR INHERITANCE

Ephesians Chapter 1

 Blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (1:3)

 Chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (1:4)

 Predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ (1:5)

 Redeemed us through His blood (1:7)

 Forgave our sins (1:7)

 Revealed the mystery of His will (1:9)

 Gave us an inheritance (1:11)

 Sealed us with the Holy Spirit (1:13)

Ephesians Chapter 2

 Made us alive with Christ when we were dead in our transgressions (2:5)

 Raised us up with Christ (2:6)

 Seated us with Him in the heavenly places (2:6)

 Saved us by grace through faith (2:8)

 Brought us near by the blood of Christ (2:13)

 Reconciled us to God through the cross (2:16)

 Granted us access to the Father by the Spirit (2:18)

 Made us fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household (2:19)

 Joined us together as a holy temple in the Lord (2:21-22)


Ephesians Chapter 3

 Revealed the mystery of Christ to us (3:3-6)

 Gave us boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him (3:12)

 Strengthened us with power through His Spirit (3:16)

 Rooted and grounded us in love (3:17)


II. WALK WORTHY


Eph 4:1

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with

which you were called

“Walk” is peripateō , “to walk about,” thus, “to conduct one’s self, to order one’s

behavior.” “Worthy” is axiōs , an adverb, meaning “in a manner worthy of.”

Note: The adjective form means, “having the weight of (weighing as much as)

another thing

Ex. Parents talking to a College Student about all invested in them

Ex. Simone Biles. 500k to 750K


III. LOWLINESS

Eph 4:1-2

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with

which you were called, 2  with all lowliness

Tapeinophrosunē – humility, humble attitude, modesty, lowliness of mind

Phil 2:3

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let

each esteem others better than himself

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be

submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble”

1. What Humility is not – Counterfeit Humility

a. Being poor

b. Belittling yourself

c. Chronic Illness

d. Weakness

e. Allowing others to walk over you

f. Seeing yourself as a worm

g. Shyness

-Dictionary definition – not proud or arrogant; modest; to be humble

although successful

h. It’s not perfection

i. It’s not absolute (There is a range – Can’t be compared)

2. Humility is a sense of entire nothingness which comes when we truly see that

God is all in all. 2 Cor 3:5 “….but our sufficiency is of God…”


3. PAUL AND LOWLINESS

1 Corinthians 15:9 - "For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called

an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

Ephesians 3:8 - "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace

was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

4. BENEFITS OF HUMILITY

a. Humility is the highest rank in the kingdom

Mat 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same

is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

b. Humility is the key to Promotion.

Mat 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall

humble himself shall be exalted.

In this verse there are two parallel pairs of active and passive verbs.

Active verb (Humble Yourself; Exalt Yourself) – means that we must

choose to initiate one or the other. There is something we must do if

we don’t do this thing nothing will happen. Passive verb (He will Exalt

you; He will humble you)– this does not depend on us. Whatever our

choice of the active verb the passive thing will happen inevitably

whether we want it to or not.

c. Humility is the key to Grace.

Jas 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resist the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Pe 5:5-6

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you

be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resist

the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:


d. God dwell swith the humble.

Isaiah 66:1-2

Thus, says the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my

footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the

place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all

those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even

to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 57:15-16

For thus saith the high and lofty One That inhabits eternity, whose

name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, With him also that is of

a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to

revive the heart of the contrite ones.

PLAY THE VIDEO


IV. GENTLENESS

Eph 4:1-2

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with

which you were called, 2  with all lowliness and gentleness

Prautētos - meekness, mildness, humility, leniency

1. WAYS PAUL EXPRESSED GENTLENESS

1 Thess 2:5-7

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for

covetousness—God is witness. 6  Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you

or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7  But

we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own

children.


2 Timothy 2:24-25

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach,

patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will

grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth."


2. WAYS JESUS EXPRESSED GENTLENESS


Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls. 30  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.


Isaiah 40:1-3


“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I

have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will

not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A

bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring

forth justice for truth.

Woman Caught in Adultery

John 8:10-11: "When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the

woman, He said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one

condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I

condemn you; go and sin no more.'"

Healing the Leper

Matthew 8:2-3: "And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, if

You are willing, You can make me clean.' Then Jesus put out His hand and

touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was

cleansed."

Healing the Servant’s Ear

Luke 22:50-51: "And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off

his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, 'Permit even this.' And He touched his

ear and healed him."

Forgiving Those Who Crucified Him

Luke 23:34: "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what

they do.' And they divided His garments and cast lots."


V. LONGSUFFERING

Eph 4:1-2

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with

which you were called, 2  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering

“Makrothumia – Patience in situations


1. Paul and Longsuffering

1 Cor 4:9-13

For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to

death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to

men. 10  We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak,

but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11  To the

present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten,

and homeless. 12  And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we

bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13  being defamed, we entreat. We have been

made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

2. Jesus and Longsuffering

John 1:11

"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."

Matt 17:17-18

Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long

shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18  And

Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from

that very hour


VI. FORBEARANCE IN LOVE

Eph 4:1-2

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with

which you were called, 2  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,

bearing with one another in love,

“Forbearing” is anechō (ἀνεχω), “to hold up, to sustain, to bear with, endure

This is Putting up with People out of Love

1. Paul and Forbearance

Rom 14:1-4

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.

3  Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does

not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4  Who are you to judge

another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made

to stand, for God is able to make him stand.


2. Jesus and Forbearance

Luke 9:51-56

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He

steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52  and sent messengers before His

face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for

Him. 53  But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to

Jerusalem. 54  And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord,

do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume

them, just as Elijah did?” 55  But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do

not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56  For the Son of Man did not come to

destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

Ex. Judas and Money Bag

Ex. Mary and Martha Not Believing Him

Ex. Pharisees and Saducees


VII. PEACE

Eph 4:3

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

“Peace” is eirēnē (εἰρηνη), “that which is bound together

Rom 12:18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men

Heb 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Apostolic Prayers | Pastor Chris | 10am

Apostolic Prayers
Prayer for Spiritual Strength and Understanding of God’s Love


Intro


The beauty of the cross

God's Call of Salvation

Being Chosen by God

God's Purpose for Your Life

By grace through faith

Transformative Power of God's Grace

The unification of Jew and gentile

Oneness in christ

Embracing Unity in Christ

Embracing Diversity

Ephesians 3:14–21

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and

on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be

strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in

your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength

to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and

to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness

of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to

the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all

generations, forever and ever. Amen.


Verse break down

There are four specific things Paul asks for in this prayer:

1.For Strength

2.For Christ to dwell in us

3.To know his love

4.The fullness of God.

We would be strengthened

16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

Matthew 16:25 (ESV)

25 "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."


Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into

Christ.

Full time Christ-bearers

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted

and grounded in love, 


(catoy-ke sai)


The Greek word for "dwell" (κατοικῆσαι, katoikēsai) implies a permanent, settled residence.

This suggests that Christ is not merely a visitor in the hearts of believers but takes up

permanent residence there.

To know his love

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

1 John 4:10

10 This is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the

propitiation for our sins.

2. Colossians 1:21–22 (ESV)

"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now

reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and

above reproach before him."

1. Fullness of God

19 that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

1 Peter 4:16

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that

name.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a

clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all

knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am

nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love,

I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not

insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures

all things.

8 Love never ends.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Back to School Sunday | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

Back To School Sunday

Panel Statistics

1. What activity increases the risk of depression symptoms by 60%

2. What activity leads to 78% of teenage girls being unhappy with their bodies?
3. What habit makes teens 1.5 times more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances?**  
4. What behavior leads to over one-third of teenagers being addicted to (behavior)
5. What exposure results in 15% of teens engaging in self-harm?
6. What behavior causes 30% of adolescents to report high levels of anxiety?**  
8. What exposure leads to 28% of young people developing disordered eating behaviors?**
9. What activity results in 40% of adolescents having difficulties maintaining attention?

10. What habit makes 68% of teens feel worse about their own lives?**  
11. What activity increases the likelihood of having at least one suicide risk factor by 71%? (More than 5 hours a day) (30% spend more than 7 hours a day)
12. What habit doubles the likelihood of teens reporting feelings of loneliness?** (more than 2 hours a day)

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Embracing Diversity | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

Embracing Diversity within the Body of Christ


One in Christ Ephesians 2:11–22 / 3:1–13


LAST WEEK:

We are to Embrace Unity in Diversity

Actively seek to break down barriers within the church community, whether they are racial,


cultural, socio-economic, or denominational.


Which looked like establishing community with those different from us.

All for God’s Eternal Purpose and Glory

We are to proclaim the Inclusive Gospel demonstrating God’s wisdom through unity

This is a core biblical issue:

Romans 3:28-29

28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of

Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,

Colossians 3:11 (ESV)

11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,

free; but Christ is all, and in all.

John 13:35 (ESV)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 17:20-23 ESV

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their

word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they

also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory

that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are

one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world

may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Unity and uniformity are not the same.


There were natural differences and Spiritual Differences

Unity = the state of being united or joined as a whole.

Uniformity = the state of being uniform or invariable (being exactly the same)

Natural differences

The early jews and gentiles were from completely different cultures

Cultural Background:


Christian Jews: Came from a Jewish cultural background, familiar with Jewish

customs, laws, and traditions.

Christian Gentiles: Came from various non-Jewish cultural backgrounds, often

influenced by Greek, Roman, or other local traditions.

Scriptural Knowledge:

Christian Jews: Had a deep familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh), which

were foundational to their faith and understanding of the Messiah.

Christian Gentiles: Often lacked prior knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and had to

learn about the Jewish background of Christianity.

Observance of Jewish Law:

Christian Jews: Often continued to observe Jewish laws and customs, such as

circumcision, dietary restrictions, and Sabbath-keeping, seeing these as part of their

cultural and religious identity.

Christian Gentiles: Were not required to observe the Jewish Law, following the

decisions of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), which allowed them to join the Christian

community without adopting all Jewish customs.

Religious Festivals:

Christian Jews: Continued to celebrate Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost,

and Sukkot, but now with a Christian understanding and significance.

Christian Gentiles: Typically did not celebrate these Jewish festivals and instead

developed their own Christian practices and observances.

Identity and Community:

Christian Jews: Maintained a strong sense of Jewish identity and often participated in

Jewish community life, while also being part of the Christian church.

Christian Gentiles: Developed a new Christian identity that was distinct from their

previous pagan practices and integrated into the broader Christian community.

View of the Law:

Christian Jews: Often saw the observance of the Mosaic Law as important for their

identity and as a way to honor God, though with a new understanding through Christ.

Christian Gentiles: Viewed the Mosaic Law as fulfilled in Christ and focused more on

the ethical teachings of Jesus and the apostles rather than on ceremonial laws.

Apostolic Guidance:

Christian Jews: Often looked to apostles like Peter and James, who had a strong

Jewish background, for leadership and guidance.


Christian Gentiles: Were significantly influenced by Paul, who emphasized that faith in

Christ alone was sufficient for salvation and downplayed the necessity of following

Jewish customs.

Church Practices:

Christian Jews: Their worship and church practices were often influenced by

synagogue traditions, including reading from the Scriptures and communal prayers.

Christian Gentiles: Developed new forms of worship that might include different

cultural expressions and were less tied to synagogue traditions.

Integration and Unity:

Christian Jews: Sometimes struggled with integrating Gentile believers into the

community, as seen in the conflicts addressed in Acts and Galatians.

Christian Gentiles: Faced challenges in understanding and respecting Jewish customs

and traditions while also asserting their freedom in Christ.

Perception by Broader Society:

Christian Jews: Were often viewed by fellow Jews as a sect within Judaism and

sometimes faced persecution for their belief in Jesus as the Messiah.

Christian Gentiles: Were seen as converts from paganism and faced different kinds of

social and religious opposition from their previous communities.

Galatians 2:11-21

Paul Confronts Peter

11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very

wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised.

But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles

anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of

circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even

Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in

front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living

like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?

Spiritual differences

We have some Spiritual differences

And this is where a lot of schism come from.

Romans 12:3-6 (ESV)

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more

highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the

measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,

and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one


body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ

according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our

faith.

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (ESV)

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say,

“Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less

a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not

belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole

body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear,

where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the

body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the

body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

We have a responsibility to stand up for every person who is being discriminated against and to

every person who is doing this wrong


Why because Jesus desires every worship from every nation!

Revelation 7:9

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every

nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and

before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. 10 and

crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and

to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the

elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and

worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving

and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints

and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined

together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a

dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV)

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but

in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”


We are called to live in harmony, valuing others above ourselves, and looking out for

each other’s interests. This means actively working to understand and appreciate our

differences, seeing them as strengths rather than obstacles.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris | 10am

 Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ


Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you

Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was

given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have

written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of

Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has

now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that

the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise

in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was

given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the

saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of

Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for

ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom

of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly

places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ

Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through

our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which

is your glory.

Verses 1-3: Paul’s Imprisonment and Revelation

Verses 4-6: The Mystery of Christ (1)

Verses 7-9: Paul’s Ministry (2)

Verses 10-13: God’s Eternal Purpose (3)

Historical Context of 1st Century Ephesus

Ephesus: A major city in the Roman Empire, known for its diversity and the Temple of

Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Cultural and Social Barriers: Ephesus was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and

economic statuses, creating divisions among people.

Jews and Gentiles: The Jewish community often saw themselves as separate from

Gentiles, creating religious and social barriers.

The Mystery Revealed

• The mystery refers to God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation through

Christ, breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians

2:14-16).

• This revelation signifies God’s inclusive plan and the universality of the gospel.

Paul Proclaiming Unity in Christ

• Paul’s ministry emphasizes that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and all

believers are one body.


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• The church now a unified body of believers, irrespective of ethnic or cultural

backgrounds.

We are to Embrace Unity in Diversity

• Actively seek to break down barriers within the church community, whether

they are racial, cultural, socio-economic, or denominational.

• Emphasize common identity in Christ over differences.

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is

no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jesus prayed for this:

John 17:20-23 ESV

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me

through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in

me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may

believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I

have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in

them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the

world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.


All for God’s Eternal Purpose and Glory

• The church is central to God’s plan to display His wisdom to the world and the

spiritual realm.

• Our unity and the breaking down of barriers within the church demonstrate God’s

manifold wisdom.

We are to proclaim the Inclusive Gospel

• Share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that it is meant for all people,

not just a select group.

Demonstrate God’s Wisdom Through Unity

John 13:35 (ESV)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV):

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to

mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Paul wrote this from prison… put there by the very people he preached to!

Be Encouraged by Paul’s Example…. Persevere

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy
The primary issue of the Church of Ephesus


AD 60-62

Hebrews 2:13-14

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the

blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and

has destroyed the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 

Revelation 2 AD 95-96

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the

seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know

your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate

wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and

have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my

name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider

how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I

will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your

favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears,

let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will

give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

orthodoxy: accepted theory, doctrine, or practice

orthopraxy: correct conduct

Things they did right:

1. Testing False Apostles

Revelation 2:2: "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you

cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves

apostles and are not, and found them to be false."

Explanation: While this is a commendation, it also highlights an issue they faced with

false teachers and the need for vigilance against heresy. They were diligent in

identifying and rejecting false apostles, which was a significant challenge.

2. Enduring Hardships

Revelation 2:3: "I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake,

and you have not grown weary."

Explanation: They faced hardships and persecution for their faith, yet they persevered.

The challenge was to maintain their love and zeal amidst these trials.


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3. Dealing with Nicolaitan Practices

Revelation 2:6: "Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also

hate."

Explanation: The Nicolaitans were a heretical group whose practices were detestable.

The Ephesian church rightly rejected their works, but it also indicates the presence of

such harmful influences that they had to contend with.

Things they did wrong

1. Abandonment of First Love

Revelation 2:4: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had

at first."

Explanation: They lost their initial zeal and passion for Christ. Their love for Him and

for others had grown cold. They became mechanical in their practices.

Mechanical Worship: their worship became mechanical, lacking the heartfelt devotion

they initially had.

Internal Spiritual Decline: Despite their external deeds and perseverance, their

internal spiritual life was in decline


2. Need for Repentance

Revelation 2:5: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the

works you did at first."

Explanation: The call to repentance indicates that their spiritual state had declined, and

they needed to return to their previous ways of living out their faith with fervor and

sincerity.

They maintained correct beliefs (orthodoxy) but struggled with living out those beliefs

in love and action (orthopraxy).

Here are ways that we together can allow our orthodoxy to become orthopraxy

Engage in Works Motivated by Love:

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good

works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in

them.”

Guard Against Spiritual Complacency and compromise:

Ephesians 5:14-16: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will

shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”


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Ephesians 5:3-4: "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must

not even be named among you... Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor

crude joking."


Hold Fast to Doctrinal Purity:

Ephesians 4:14-15: "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by

the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine... speaking the truth in

love."

Cultivate a Heart of Worship and Thanksgiving:

Ephesians 5:19-20: "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual

songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks

always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."

Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)

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.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and

making melody to the Lord with your heart,

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Embracing Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris Searcy | July 7th

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Embracing Unity in Christ


One in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)


Summarize:

Understanding God's Call of Salvation (Trey answering the call)

The Blessing of being chosen

Living with purpose

The free gift of salvation (Kyle)

Gods grace (Tre)

The first three chapters focus on what Christians should believe, unfolding the glorious riches

of God’s grace in Christ. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation “by grace... through

faith” (2:8). The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for

individuals, and for families.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 60.

Eph 2:4-5, 10

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we

were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Today

Embracing Unity in Christ

Eph 2:12–22

12 (Gentiles) remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from

citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and

without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have

been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed

the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its

commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out

of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God

through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached

peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him

we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer

foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his

household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus

himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and

rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together

to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The cost of Unity:

Eph 2:12


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12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and

foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

For Jews they had to perform:

Circumcision: One of the primary requirements for a male gentile to join the Jewish community was

circumcision. This was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants

(Genesis 17:10-14).

Observance of the Law: 613 commandments (mitzvot) Gentiles were required to adhere to the

laws and commandments given to the Israelites. This included observing the Sabbath, dietary laws,

and other aspects of the Torah (Exodus 12:48-49; Leviticus 17:8-9).

Proselyte Status: Gentiles could become proselytes (converts) and fully integrate into the Israelite

community. There were different types of proselytes, such as the "proselyte of righteousness," who

fully accepted Jewish laws and customs, and the "proselyte of the gate," who observed certain basic

laws without fully converting.

Joining the Community through Marriage: Some gentiles became part of the Jewish community

through marriage. For example, Rahab and Ruth, who were originally non-Israelites, married into the

Israelite community and are significant figures in the biblical narrative (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 1:16-17).

Living Among the Israelites: Gentiles who lived among the Israelites and participated in their

community life were often considered part of the broader covenant community. They were expected

to follow certain laws and customs (Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:22).

Participating in Religious Festivals: Gentiles who wished to join the Jewish faith were allowed to

participate in certain religious festivals, such as Passover, provided they were circumcised and

observed the necessary rituals (Exodus 12:48).

The purchaser:

Eph 2:13-16

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of

Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the

barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and

regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making

peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to

death their hostility. 

The enemy’s plan:

The enemy’s plan is to divide believers.

Matthew 13:44 (NIV):

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and

then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV):

And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you

ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have

made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."


UNITY NOTES:


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1. Unity in Christ

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV):

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs

to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all

and through all and in all.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV):

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and

female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2. Unity in Love

John 13:34-35 (ESV):

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,

you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if

you have love for one another.

Colossians 3:14 (ESV):

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

3. Unity in Purpose and Mission

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.

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV):

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the

breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders

and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together

and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings

and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the

temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad

and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord

added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

4. Unity in the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV):

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,

though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized

into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one

Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.


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Romans 12:4-5 (ESV):

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same

function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of

another.

5. Unity in the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV):I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a

manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and

gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity

of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

6. Unity in Humility and Service

Philippians 2:2-4 (ESV):Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same

love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not

only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Practical Implications

1. Common Faith and Belief: Believers are united by their shared faith in Jesus

Christ and the core doctrines of Christianity.

2. Mutual Love and Support: Unity is expressed through genuine love, care, and

support for one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

3. Collective Worship and Fellowship: Regular gathering for worship, prayer,

teaching, and communion fosters unity.

4. Shared Mission and Purpose: Working together to fulfill the Great Commission

and to serve others in Jesus' name promotes unity.

5. Diverse yet Unified: Recognizing and valuing the diversity of gifts, backgrounds,

and roles within the body of Christ while maintaining a united front.

6. Peace and Reconciliation: Pursuing peace, resolving conflicts, and fostering

reconciliation within the community.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

But For Grace | Pastor Tre | 6.30.24







But for Grace

 

Ephesians 2:1-10 

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


What is Grace?


Exodus 34:6 

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

·      gracious: /khen/ (adj.) delightful, favorable. The giving of favor that is not deserved


John 1:14-17 

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

·      grace: /charis/ (n.) gift [gracious gift]. A favorable gift that is not deserved


What does Grace do?

·      It helps us


Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.


·      It offers salvation to all


Titus 2:11-12

  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

 

·      It transforms us


1 Timothy 1:12-14 

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 

 

What does Grace not do?


·      It does not make us exempt from temptation


Matthew 4:1 

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.


Hebrew 4:15  

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin

 

How do we obtain Grace?


·      Know it is yours


2 Timothy 1:8-10 

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

 

Receive the Word


James 1:21 

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls

 

What do I do with Grace?


·      God always expects multiplication (production)


Genesis 1:28

 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth


Matthew 20:3 

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace


Matthew 21:43 T

herefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof


·      Get to know HIM


2 Peter 1:2 

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord


·      Get to WORK


1 Corinthians 15:9-10

  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.