Monthly Archives: July 2020

Don’t Waste 2020

Sunday Morning Sermons

Don’t Waste 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

A Witness; Evangelism; Testimony; Reputation / Colossians 4:5–6

Notes
First AM Message in person since COVID 19

2020 has been an awful year in many respects. The COVID fiasco, Black Lives Matter, and lost of personal drama and problems have sent many of us reeling. I have heard folks muse… they wish they could hit a fast forward button and skip the rest of 2020 and move on to better times.

I am glad that God does not allow us to literally travel in time. You see, in spite of all the problems, God has you right here, right now, in the middle of all this mess by His perfect design.

It is tempting to just check out waiting for better times. We can’t soul win like we always did, why bother. Church is just not the same… I will wait until we get back to real normal.

Our text this morning serves as a warning that we are stewards of everything we are given… even now. On this first Sunday morning back in Church since COVID drove us to the parking lot, don’t let change ruin your heart. Don’t waste 2020!

Don’t Waste Your Relationships

Colossians 4:5 KJV
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Guard your reputation

Ephesians 5:15–16 KJV
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“Circumspectly” is akrib?s (???????), “exactly, accurately, carefully.” “Walk” is peripate? (?????????), “to order one’s behavior, to conduct one’s self.”

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 4, p. 126). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Romans 14:16 KJV
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

• Be wise in order to win others to Jesus

Proverbs 11:30 KJV
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Bud Villers was a good man. Bud was my neighbor. I grew up beside him until he died when I was in college. Bud helped my dad put a roof on our house, he assisted my dad when they poured concrete sidewalks and porches. My dad helped him put a roof on his patio. When Bud got older he would hire me to cut his grass occasionally. He usually invited me in for a glass of Coke and a piece of pie. He was always generous. I also delivered his newspaper for a couple of years. He tipped well. He was kind. He didn’t get upset if our baseball, wiffle ball or football went into his yard.

Mr. Villers was an avid fisherman. He often brought us some of his trout catch.

I don’t remember Bud talking a lot about religion when I was a kid, but it struck me that EVERY Sunday morning I saw Bud walking up the street with his Bible in hand-—rain or shine Bud walked to church with a Bible in his hand every week.

Every year he invited my younger brother and me to attend VBS at the Nutter Fort Baptist Church. Most years we didn’t go, but some years when some of my friends were going I did go. Then when I was 15 Bud invited us to church on a Sunday. I didn’t go, but my younger brother did. And the next weekend he invited us again. Again, I didn’t go but my little brother went. The same thing happened the next Sunday and the Sunday after that. My brother started going to church two or three times a week. I caught him reading the Bible a couple of times.

Months later Bud was still inviting me and I was still not interested. Then a singing group attended my school. They were college students and the girls were really pretty. They performed several songs and they told us that they were going to be at a church that evening and they wanted us to come. When I got home from school that day, Bud came over and invited my little brother and me to come to church that evening. The singers from the school were going to be there, so I went. That night I became a Christian and my life has never been the same since.

To my knowledge, Bud Villers never taught a Sunday School class, never preached a sermon, never held a position of leadership in the church. He was an usher, a faithful usher. He simply lived a life of integrity and love for God and his family and friends. And occasionally invited people to church.

If Bud was an ice cream flavor, he would be vanilla. But he would be HÄAGEN-DAZS vanilla.

(From a sermon by Quint Pitts, Uncommonly Average, 10/17/2009)

Don’t Waste Your Time

Colossians 4:5 KJV
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Know your opportunities are temporary.

Psalm 90:12 KJV
So teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Know that the lost have an even more urgent time clock

1 Thessalonians 4:12 KJV
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

The author is unknown.

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about “a thousand marbles”.

I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.”

And that’s when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.”

“Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part.”

“It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail”, he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy.”

“So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away.”

“I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.”

“Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday, then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.”

“It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 73 Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. “C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.”

“What brought this on?” she asked with a smile. “Oh, nothing special, it’s just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids.

Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

Don’t Waste Your Words

Colossians 4:6 KJV
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Psalm 40:10 KJV
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

• Full of Grace – unmerited favor

Psalm 66:16 KJV
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Ephesians 4:29 KJV
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

“Watch your speech. A mans command of the language is most important. Next to kissing, its the most exciting form of communication mankind has evolved.”

• Salty – make those without thirsty for Jesus

1 Peter 3:15 KJV
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

• Wise

Colossians 3:16 KJV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:07 PM July 24, 2020.

Be All You Can Be EVEN in 2020

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Be All You Can Be in 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Testimony; A Witness; Evangelism / 1 Peter 3:13–17

It is easy to lose hope and focus in the tumult that is life in 2020. We learned last week however, that it is possible to love life and see good days even now. The secret it good clean living. Seek peace, avoid evil and know God hears our prayers. This evening we are going to continue to discover Peter’s advice to the weary sojourners. Now that we have discovered that living a life we love and seeing good days is actually possible, how can we use this knowledge to help us live up to our potential? This evening we will discover three truths that will help us be all we can be EVEN in 2020.

Be Good

1 Peter 3:13 KJV

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

The word “and” is, “seeing that God takes such good care of the righteous,” who is he that will harm you? This question was asked in view of the persecution and suffering through which these saints were going. Peter tells them that as a result of their righteous lives and God’s care, their blessedness will be such as to turn off all the malice of their persecutors and make their suffering itself to be a joy. The word “followers” is the translation of a Greek word meaning “zealots.” The verb means “to burn with zeal, to desire earnestly.”1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 87.

Proverbs 16:7 KJV

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Romans 8:31–33 KJV

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Be Confident

1 Peter 3:14 KJV

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

For even if suffering should occur, Christians are blessed and thus should not be frightened. The word here translated “blessed” (makarioi; cf. 4:14) was used by Jesus (Matt. 5:3–11). To be “blessed” in this context does not mean to “feel delighted” but to be “highly privileged.” 

Matthew 5:10–12 KJV

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Be Ready With An Answer.

Not only were these Christian Jews to find a refuge in Christ Jesus as they set Him apart as Lord of their lives, but they were to be ready to give an answer to these persecutors who attacked them and the Word of God which they believed. The words “give an answer” are the translation of a Greek word used as a legal term in the courts. It means literally “to talk off from,” and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him. He presented a verbal defense. The exhortation is to Christians to talk the Bible off from the charges preferred against it, thus presenting for it a verbal defense. Today, Modernism has preferred charges against the Word of God, has placed it in the dungeons of the destructive critic’s inquisition, and has charged it with gross errors, and with being man-made. It is not allowed to speak for itself except through the prosecuting attorney, the destructive critic. But those who believe in a whole Bible, rather than a Bible full of holes, are admonished not to remain silent in the face of this attack by Modernism, but to defend the Bible against these false charges by presenting a verbal defense for it, refuting the statements of the destructive critic.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 89.

Psalm 119:46 KJV

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.

Colossians 4:6 KJV

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Be Blameless

1 Peter 3:16–17 KJV

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

A believer’s testimony should not be given in an arrogant manner but with gentleness and respect. (“Respect” here is from phobos, “fear,” whereas “respect” for one’s wife [v. 7] is tim?, “honor.”) Christians who are not afraid in the face of persecution are able to witness respectfully to their faith in Christ. They then keep a clear (agath?n, “good”) conscience (syneid?sin; cf. 2:19; 3:21). Peter may have been alluding to the occasion when he denied Christ out of fear, in words that were neither gentle nor respectful.

Christians who suffer unjustly and keep a clear conscience put to shame those who slander their good behavior in Christ. Once again Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.1

1 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 850.

____________________

An all-time favorite Bible teacher was Don Wilton. One day in class, Dr. Wilton told us about getting to serve on Billy Graham’s team for a crusade in Korea. Dr. Wilton told about sitting on the platform one night during the invitation, — right next to Billy Graham.

Dr. Wilton couldn’t help notice that during the invitation, Billy Graham started looking down at his fingernails. And he thought, “I can’t believe Dr. Graham is so unconcerned about this invitation that he would be studying his nails!”

Don was getting a little huffy on the inside, if you know what I mean. But just then, Billy Graham pointed to one of the Korean ladies who had come forward to talk to the counselors. And Billy said, “Do you see that lady? — She did my nails today, and I was able to lead her to the Lord.”

That’s the spirit and habit we need! — Looking for opportunities to tell more people about Jesus. It can help them for all eternity, and it can lighten our burden along the way.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:02 PM July 22, 2020.

CARantine July 19 2020 ( Last One!)

Announcements

“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” (Luke 8:38–39, KJV)

Announcements:

In Person Bible Study Tonight 6:30 – Unconditional Election

In Person Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:00

Next Sunday July 26 @ 11 am Morning Worship Will Be in Person!

  • Masks are encouraged not required
  • Please observe social distancing
  • Seating will be spread out and scattered
  • If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
  • We will be broadcasting on Facebook Live – facebook.com/ebctorrington

August 2 Special Speaker Josh Jacquard

August 5 Quarterly Business Meeting

  1. ’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
    ’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
    ’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
    • Refrain:
      He is able to deliver thee,
      He is able to deliver thee;
      Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
      “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
  2. ’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
    ’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
    ’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
  3. ’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
    To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
    Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
  1. Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
    To shine for Him each day;
    In every way try to please Him,
    At home, at school, at play.
    • Refrain:
      A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
      Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;
      A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
      I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.
  2. Jesus wants me to be loving,
    And kind to all I see;
    Showing how pleasant and happy,
    His little one can be.
  3. I will ask Jesus to help me
    To keep my heart from sin;
    Ever reflecting His goodness,
    And always shine for Him.
  4. I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus,
    I can if I but try;
    Serving Him moment by moment,
    Then live for Him on high.

Pastoral Prayer

Lead me to some soul today,
O teach me, Lord, just want to say;
Friends of mine are lost in sin,
And cannot find their way.
Few there are who seem to care,
And few there are who pray;
Melt my heart and fill my life,
Give me one soul today.

Grassroots Gospel

Uncategorized

Grassroots Gospel

Grassroots Gospel

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Evangelism / Luke 8:38–39

Evangelical Churches have been doing things basically the same way for over 100 years. We compel folks to come to big gatherings at church where they can hear the Gospel and be saved. We go door to door, and invite folks to church and give them the Gospel. We have special Dinners, and gatherings, and social events to bring people in so we can give them the Gospel and they can get saved. We send out cards to new move ins inviting them to church. We then visit those new move ins. We visit those who visit us. These things that we do to reach out have been done by Evangelically minded churches for decades.

But then COVID hit and what we have done for years suddenly had to be rethought. Did this take God by surprise? NO! I believe that part of COVID’s purpose is to get churches to think outside our routine. Many of us who were technically reluctant were dragged into the 21st century and are now streaming our services. We have learned to use Google Meet and ZOOM. But what about soul winning? How do we get the Gospel to folks without having big out reaches?

Even when we meet in person we have a capacity cap that will prevent us from trying to stuff our building to the gills with folks so they can hear the Gospel. We can’t visit very much. Facebook is only so effective in communicating the plan of salvation.

Jesus healed the demoniac of the Gadarenes. This guy had it bad.

Luke 8:26–27 KJV
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

Luke 8:29 KJV
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

We know the story. This man had thousands of demons in him. Jesus cast them all out into a herd of pigs… they all ran off a cliff and drowned. Folks were so freaked out they wanted Jesus to leave the area.

The man who was delivered had now become an avid believer. He wanted to go on tour with Jesus and the Disciples. Our passage this morning shows that Jesus had another plan.

Luke 8:38–39 KJV
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Jesus not only gave the new believer direction, but also articulated the plan that would reach the world. It is a plan that has worked for thousands of years and perhaps a plan that we have strayed from. The good news of salvation spreads like wild fire when saved folks go personally to lost folks and tell them how they got saved in the first place. This former demoniac did not need to go on tour, he needed to go home. He needed to be a part of the Grassroots Gospel Revolution.

God has stopped our door knocking, our big Sunday School campaigns, our Van ministry, and other outreach. But the Gospel has not stopped! The mandate to spread the news has not stopped! During these days of COVID madness, now more than ever, we must go back into our circles of influence and be a part of the Grassroots Gospel Revolution.

It is Possible to Know You Are Heaven Bound

1 John 5:13 KJV
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I Realized I Was A Sinner

Romans 3:10 KJV
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 KJV
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 KJV
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

I Realized There Was a Price For That Sin

Romans 6:23 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ezekiel 18:20 KJV
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Revelation 21:8 KJV
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I realized I cannot Pay the Price By Good Works

Galatians 2:21 KJV
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

James 2:10–11 KJV
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV
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.

I Realized That Jesus Did Pay the Price for my Sin.

Romans 5:8 KJV
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John 3:16 KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

So I Transferred My Trust From My Works To What Jesus Did on the Cross.

Romans 10:13–14 KJV
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

We Need To Get Back To Grassroots Gospel.

• Go back to your people.

• There are people in your circle that will only be reached by you.

• There will be people that cross your path today that God has put there because you have a message for them.

• Will you commit to praying every day for that one person who needs to hear the Gospel from you today?

• Will you commit to giving the gospel to at least one person this week?

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:41 AM July 16, 2020.

Loving Life in 2020

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Loving Life in 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Unity of Humanity; Peace / 1 Peter 3:8–11

1 Peter 3:10 KJV
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

How is it going this evening? Do and suffering through your days. The Apostle Peter in our passage is writing to people who are suffering persecution for the cause of Christ. Many people who read this epistle were imprisoned for their faith. In spite of these circumstances, Peter told them that it was possible to love life and see good days. The truths Peter taught then still stand today. May God help you to adjust your thinking as you learn how to love the life that you live.

Seek the Truth

The wisdom of God found in His Word.

Proverbs 3:13–18 KJV
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

1. Brings happiness


2. Has great value


3. Tends to a long life


4. Brings pleasantness


5. Brings peace

B. The Wisdom of your parents

Proverbs 3:1–2 KJV
My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments:

For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee.

Proverbs 4:20–22 KJV
My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.

For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.

Seek Unity

1 Peter 3:8 KJV
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Be of one mind – homophron = of the same mind.

Romans 12:16 KJV
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Share the same compassion one for another – sumpathes =suffering along with

Romans 12:15 KJV
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Love as brethren

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 John 3:14 KJV
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Be pitiful = tenderhearted – of good heartedness

Courteous – philophron = friendly of mind

Ephesians 4:31–32 KJV
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Seek Peace

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Perfect Peace

John Henry Newman wrote perceptively: “ ‘These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.’ What is fulness of joy but peace? Joy is tumultuous only when it is not full; but peace is the privilege of those who are ‘filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.’ ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.’ ”

Practice payback Jesus style.

1 Peter 3:9 KJV
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  1. Not evil for evil

Proverbs 20:22 KJV 1900

Say not thou, I will recompense evil;

But wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

  1. Not railing for railing = insults
  2. Give blessing in the place of evil or railing

Romans 12:19–21 KJV
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  1. This is your calling.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Avoid verbal payback

1 Peter 3:10 KJV
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Matthew 5:38–39 KJV
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Eschew evil = turn away from on purpose by doing good instead.

1 Peter 3:11 KJV
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Seek peace

James 3:18 KJV
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  1. Avoid conflict as much as possible.
  2. Do not replace expressed anger with silent bitterness.

E. Keep an open line with God.

1 Peter 3:12 KJV
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Personal Peace

Peace is far more than protection from annihilation. Peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. Peace is more than a state of mind or the tranquility of a countryside. Peace is commitment to a way of life which precludes war, poverty, slavery, prejudice, and fear. Peace is action. Peace is the fruit of love.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:59 AM July 15, 2020.

CARantine July 12, 2020 Hymns

Announcements

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9, KJV)

Announcements:

In Person Services this week: Sunday 6:30 pm / Wednesday 7:00 pm

Online Prayer meeting – Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00 AM – forum.ebcct.org

Deacon’s Meeting This Week

August 2 Josh Jacquard

August 5 Quarterly Business Meeting

  1. Encamped along the hills of light,
    Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
    And press the battle ere the night
    Shall veil the glowing skies.
    Against the foe in vales below
    Let all our strength be hurled;
    Faith is the victory, we know,
    That overcomes the world.
    • Refrain:
      Faith is the victory!
      Faith is the victory!
      Oh, glorious victory,
      That overcomes the world.
  2. His banner over us is love,
    Our sword the Word of God;
    We tread the road the saints above
    With shouts of triumph trod.
    By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
    Swept on o’er every field;
    The faith by which they conquered death
    Is still our shining shield.
  3. On every hand the foe we find
    Drawn up in dread array;
    Let tents of ease be left behind,
    And onward to the fray.
    Salvation’s helmet on each head,
    With truth all girt about,
    The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
    And echo with our shout.
  4. To him that overcomes the foe,
    White raiment shall be giv’n;
    Before the angels he shall know
    His name confessed in heav’n.
    Then onward from the hills of light,
    Our hearts with love aflame,
    We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
    In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

_______

1 I care not today what the morrow may bring,
If shadow or sunshine or rain,
The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything,
And all of my worries are vain.

Refrain:
Living by faith in Jesus above,
Trusting, confiding in His great love;
From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.

2 Though tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise,
Obscuring the brightness of life,
I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies—
The Master looks on at the strife. [Refrain]

3 I know that He safely will carry me through,
No matter what evils betide;
Why should I then care though the tempest may blow,
If Jesus walks close to my side. [Refrain]

4 Our Lord will return for His loved ones some day,
Our troubles will then all be o’er;
The Master so gently will lead us away,
Beyond that blest heavenly shore. [Refrain]

______

  1. My faith looks up to Thee,
    Thou Lamb of Calvary,
    Savior divine!
    Now hear me while I pray,
    Take all my guilt away,
    Oh, let me from this day
    Be wholly Thine!
  2. May Thy rich grace impart
    Strength to my fainting heart,
    My zeal inspire!
    As Thou hast died for me,
    Oh, may my love to Thee
    Pure, warm, and changeless be,
    A living fire!
  3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
    And griefs around me spread,
    Be Thou my guide;
    Bid darkness turn to day,
    Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
    Nor let me ever stray
    From Thee aside.
  4. When ends life’s transient dream,
    When death’s cold, sullen stream
    Shall o’er me roll;
    Blest Savior, then in love,
    Fear and distrust remove;
    Oh, bear me safe above,
    A ransomed soul!

______________

Final Hymn

  1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
    E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
    Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
    • Refrain:
      Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
  2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
    Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
    Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee.
  3. There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
    All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n;
    Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.
  4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
    Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
    So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.
  5. Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
    Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
    Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
  6. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
    There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
    Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Anywhere With Jesus

Sunday Morning Sermons

Anywhere With Jesus

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Fear; Trust; Close; Affection / Matthew 14:22–33

A dying man was fearful, even though he was a born-again Christian. He expressed his feelings to his Christian doctor. The physician was silent, not knowing what to say. Just then a whining and scratching was heard at the door. When the doctor opened it, in bounded his big beautiful dog, who often went with him as he made house calls. The dog was glad to see his master. Sensing an opportunity to comfort his troubled patient, the doctor said, “My dog has never been in your room before, so he didn’t know what it was like in here. But he knew I was in here, and that was enough. In the same way, I’m looking forward to heaven. I don’t know much about it, but I know my Savior is there. And that’s all I need to know!”2971

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 94.

___

It seems like 2020 is the Storm that just won’t go away. The COVID fiasco, socio/economic collapse, civil unrest, and political ineptitude invade our news feed, our conversations, and even our thoughts. On top of all that, several of our folks have lost work, lost health, and buried loved ones. During storms like this it is natural to fear. We can fear the clouds we see. We can fear the possibilities of what may come next. This natural fear can paralyze us so that we freeze in place and make no move whatsoever.  

2020 has brought no shortage of things to be afraid of. We can fear the ‘Rona. We can fear getting it, or passing it on. We can fear displeasing a government official who is spewing out random rules faster than snot slinging from a sneeze. We fear the police. We fear the protesters. We fear murder hornets. And now, in case you are starting to feel better, we are supposed to fear the Black Death, bubonic plague.  

As a response, some believers have quit doing what believers are supposed to do. We have quit fellowship all together. If we do venture out we arm ourselves with every precautionary tool known to man… hand sanitizer, bleach, masks, toilet paper and fire arms.

Our passage this morning is about a storm and about two very different mindsets during the storm. On one hand we have the huddled disciples hoping the boat and their collective sailing skills will get them through. On the other hand we have a wild eyed zealot named Peter that will do anything to be with Jesus, even if it means to leave the boat. Peter could have said…

“Jesus if it is really you calm the Storm!”

But instead he asked for Jesus to ask Peter to come to Him. Peter was learning the lesson of seeking the presence of Christ. No matter the victory or the trial, no matter the prosperity or peril, no matter the calm or the storm it is always better to be anywhere with Jesus.

Storms Are Terrifying When Jesus Seems Afar Off.

This is happening right after the death of John the Baptist and the feeding of the 5000.

As soon as they were fed, Jesus hustled the disciples off into a boat while he went apart to pray. The Boat and the storm was all part of His plan. They were right were they were supposed to be even though they were in the middle of a storm.

The boat was in the midst of the sea tossed with the waves… the wind was contrary. It had to be a terrifying experience.

They had already been rescued by Jesus in a storm

Matthew 14:24–27 KJV

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

 In the fourth watch ( 3:00 am ) they saw a figure through the lightening flashes, walking on the sea… hair and clothes blowing… but the body walking or perhaps appearing to float on top of the water… looks like a ghost

 But soon they were in a storm. Somewhere between 3 and 6 in the morning (the fourth watch of the night), Jesus joined them, walking on the lake to their boat—a distance of “three or three and a half miles” (John 6:19). His power over the elements was obvious, but there was also a lesson in faith for the disciples in this experience.1

1 Louis A. Barbieri, Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 54.

WHEN YOU COWER IN FEAR IT IS HARD TO SEE JESUS

 • Disciples saw Jesus

 • Didn’t recognize Him

 • Jumped to worst case conclusion

 • Jesus told them not to be afraid… it was Him.

 • We have no indication that they were relieved yet.

 • If your devotion life, prayer life, and church life is slacking, Jesus will seem afar off during these storms.  

 • It will be natural to cower in the boat .

 • If you do see Jesus coming to make His way to be with you, because your heart has become distanced, you may not recognize Him right away.

 • In the absence of truth, your imagination will come up with a scary possibility rather than a sober truth.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Closeness is Better Than Calm.

Matthew 14:28 KJV

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

 • Peter Saw and heard Jesus, but wanted confirmation it was Jesus not a demon

 • Peter said if it is you bid me come with you.

 That Jesus has authority to share with someone else his miraculous ability to walk on the water adds a further dimension to the supernatural power he has already displayed. But the focus of this story is on Peter, who displays a characteristic mixture of attitudes: he will not attempt the walk without Jesus’ direct instruction, but given that instruction he is unable to carry it through because he lacks the necessary faith. Desire to emulate Jesus’ miracle conflicts with the experienced fisherman’s realistic assessment of the risk (“when he saw the strong wind”).1

1 R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publication Co., 2007), 570.

 • Standing for Christ is tougher during these stormy days.  

 • It is natural to cower, quake and complain.

 • Jesus may be prompting you do share the Gospel, do a ministry, increase your church commitment or some other thing. To get closer to Him may require you getting out of the boat.

Closeness Involves Risk and Reward.

Matthew 14:29 KJV

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

WHEN YOU DESIRE TO BE WITH JESUS< YOU ARE BOLD ENOUGH TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT

 • Peter already had an established relationship with Jesus during storms

 • Peter knew if it was Jesus, he was safest with Him, even if he had to get out of the boat to be with him.

 • Peter had the faith to take the risk because the risk would bring him closer to Jesus.

 • Peter could have said if it is you, calm the storm, but instead he said, bid me come to you.  

 • Being with Jesus in the midst of the storm is better than being apart from Jesus when the storm ends.

 • Peter came out in order to be closer to Jesus, but he got his eyes off Jesus and onto the storm and began to sink.

 • He cried out and Jesus Saved Him… 

 • But he was the only one who walked on water

 • He was the only one who drew closer to Jesus during the storm

 • He was the only one to take the risk

 • He was the only one to be personally rescued

 • He was the only one to have his faith expanded by that experience.

 • Jesus could have calmed the 2020 storms.

 • He has not done so yet.

 • He is trying to show you that He not only the one that can calm the storm, He is the one that walks on water.

 • He is not only the one that walks on water, but also the One that bids you to walk on water with Him!

Closeness May Involve an Occasional Rescue.

Matthew 14:30–31 KJV

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

 • Jesus is all about helping you grow in your faith.

 • Every storm has God’s perfect design behind it.

Romans 8:28–29 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 KJV

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Closeness Results in Calm

Matthew 14:32–33 KJV

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Matthew 11:28–30 KJV

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

John 14:27 KJV

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 • Jesus and Peter reached the ship.

 • Jesus had been heading for the ship all along

 • Jesus was planning to teach them something during the storm.

 • Once Jesus made it all the way to the ship it was calm

 • Once Jesus made it to the ship, the lesson was over

 • The lesson was not only that Jesus can calm the storm, but that Jesus doesn’t need a boat or any other human means to rescue you.

 • The lesson is that it is better to get out of the boat and take a risk with shaky faith (little faith) than to stay huddled in darkness seeing ghosts and having no faith.

 • The lesson is truly this is the Son of God

A dying man was fearful, even though he was a born-again Christian. He expressed his feelings to his Christian doctor. The physician was silent, not knowing what to say. Just then a whining and scratching was heard at the door. When the doctor opened it, in bounded his big beautiful dog, who often went with him as he made house calls. The dog was glad to see his master. Sensing an opportunity to comfort his troubled patient, the doctor said, “My dog has never been in your room before, so he didn’t know what it was like in here. But he knew I was in here, and that was enough. In the same way, I’m looking forward to heaven. I don’t know much about it, but I know my Savior is there. And that’s all I need to know!”2971

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 94.

____

No matter the storms that are or that are yet to come it is always safest to be anywhere with Jesus.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:18 AM July 10, 2020.

A Lifetime of Learning

Uncategorized

A Lifetime of Learning

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Marriage; Love; Prayer / 1 Peter 3:7

Guys, you’d better understand this. There’s a points system at work and the ladies are keeping score. Here’s a small sample just for your information:

Duties

  • You make the bed +1
  • You make the bed, but forget to add the decorative pillows -1
  • You throw the bed spread over the rumpled sheets -1
  • You leave the toilet seat up -5
  • You replace the toilet paper roll when it’s empty 0
  • You check out a suspicious noise at night 0
  • You check out a suspicious noise at night and it’s nothing 0
  • You check out a suspicious noise at night and it’s something +5
  • You pummel it with a six iron +10
  • It turns out to be her father -10

A Night Out

  • You take her to a movie +2
  • You take her to a movie she likes +4
  • You take her to a movie you hate +6
  • You take her to a movie you like -2
  • It’s called Death Cop 3 -3
  • Which features sexy cyborgs -9
  • You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans -15

Your Physique

  • You develop a noticeable potbelly -15
  • You develop a noticeable potbelly and exercise to get rid of it +10
  • You develop a noticeable potbelly & resort to loose jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts -30
  • You say, “I don’t care because you have one too” -800

The Big Question 

  • She asks, “Do I look fat?” -5 (Sensitive questions always start with a deficit)
  • You hesitate in responding -10
  • You reply, “Compared to what?” -35

Communication 

  • When she wants to talk about a problem, you listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression 0
  • When she talks you listen for over 30 minutes +5
  • You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV +15

Adapted from “The Points System,” c. 2000 John Boy and Billy Inc., http://thebigshow.com

Tonight we are going to talk about the role of the husband in marriage. I do not preach this because I think I have mastered the contents of this message. I will confess that all too often I fall miserably short of the lofty goals I will articulate tonight. I started learning my wife on October 3, 1987. I am still learning, sometimes re-learning… but the learning never stops.  

As we continue our study through 1 Peter we focus on how to behave as a sojourning couple. Wives can win their disobedient husbands through a meek and quiet spirit. Men, you can enhance your marriage and even your prayer life when you learn to study your wife. A pleasant marriage requires a lifetime of learning.

Dwell with your wives = spend focused time together

1 Peter 3:7 KJV

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

 A. She is your companion, best friend, of your covenant.

 Malachi 2:14-16

 14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. 

 B. She should be the only one that satisfies you.

 Proverbs 5:15-19

 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 

  1. Do not look at others more than once.

  2. Do not get friendship from other women more than your wife.

  3. When you are young, establish a pattern of all consuming satisfaction with her.

  4. Be physically ravished with her.

According to Knowledge

1 Peter 3:7

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 

 A. According to = after the manner of

 B. Knowledge = seeking to know, an enquiry and investigation

  1. Learn physical needs and desires.

  1 Corinthians 7:3-5

  3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 

  2. Learn emotional needs

  Ephesians 5:33 KJV

  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

   3. Learn spiritual needs

  Ephesians 5:25–28 KJV

  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Give Honor

1 Peter 3:7

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 

 A. Give honor = place in great value, high price

Proverbs 18:22 KJV

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 31:10 KJV

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

 B. Weaker vessel = fragile both physically and emotionally – treat her differently than you do your buddies at work.

 C. Heirs together = you are both living with eternity in view.

 D. Living like this will remove barriers to your prayers.

Colossians 3:19 KJV

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Matthew 5:23–24 KJV

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

One of the greatest statements of a husband’s love is when he protects his wife regardless of the cost to himself. Joseph’s story is the story of one such man.

When Chris Spielman played for the Buffalo Bills, he was everything a middle linebacker should be: tough, strong and smart, with passion, total commitment and loyalty to the game. He played the entire 1995 season with a torn pectoral muscle that he sustained in the season opener.

But the game took a distant second place in this thinking during the 1998 season. He chose to stay home. He cooked, took care of his kids, and cared for his wife Stephanie. Stephanie was struggling with cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and nausea were Stephanie’s opponents. During her fight Chris was at her side; his actions supported his “family before job” credo.

When asked by a reporter if he’d consider a return to the Bills late in the season, Spielman said, “I’d play in a heartbeat, but what kind of man would I be if I backed out on my word to her? I wouldn’t be a man at all.”

Football fans saw Spielman as a man because of his aggressive, leave-it-all-on-the-field style of play. But what really makes him a man? It’s his personal sacrifice and unending commitment and loyalty to his wife.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:43 AM July 8, 2020.

CARantine July 5, 2020

Announcements

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1, KJV)

Rev. Samuel F Smith, a Baptist Minister and Author wrote the lyrics this song. It was first sung publicly July 4 1831. Modern hymnbooks omit many of the verses originally written. Today we will include them, simply sing them to the tune you know and love.

My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet Freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.

Our glorious Land to-day,
‘Neath Education’s sway,
Soars upward still.
Its hills of learning fair,
Whose bounties all may share,
Behold them everywhere
On vale and hill!

Thy safeguard, Liberty,
The school shall ever be,
Our Nation’s pride!
No tyrant hand shall smite,
While with encircling might
All here are taught the Right
With Truth allied.

_________

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion’d stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.
America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov’d
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country lov’d
And mercy more than life.
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

_________________

For a long time I travelled
Down a long lonely road;
My heart was so heavy in sin I sank low.
Then I heard about Jesus,
What a wonderful hour;
I’m so glad that I found out
He could bring me out
Through His saving power.

Chorus:
Thank God I am free, free, free
From this world of sin.
Washed in the blood of Jesus,
I’ve been born again.
Hallelujah, I’m saved, saved, saved
By His wonderful grace.
I’m so glad that I found out
That He would bring me out
And show me the way.

Verse 2
Like a bird out of prison
That has taken its flight;
Like a blind man that God
Gave back his sight.
Like a poor wretched beggar
Who’s found fortune and fame,
I’m so glad that I found out
He could bring me out
Through His holy name.

Chorus:
Thank God I am free, free, free
From this world of sin.
Washed in the blood of Jesus,
I’ve been born again.
Hallelujah, I’m saved, saved, saved
By His wonderful grace.
I’m so glad that I found out
That He would bring me out
And show me the way.



Free Indeed

Uncategorized

Free Indeed

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Freedom / John 8:31–36

On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers signed a bold document called the Declaration of Independence. This was the birth of a nation founded on Freedom. It is still the greatest beacon of freedom in the world. So, in spite of all of the historical revisionism that is happening, we still remember the fact that our nation was founded on the concept of individual freedom.

Freedom, the ability to make one’s own decisions and the law of personal responsibility and consequences that come from those decisions, is a subject frequently discussed throughout scripture. As we study the concept, we will discover that freedom is fragile and , though aimed for, it is often not fully realized.

Jesus was discussing the concept of freedom with the Pharisees, a group of scholars who kept people enslaved to the impossible goal of keeping enough rules to merit the favor of God. While folks were looking for freedom from the guilt of sin, they had become chained to rites, rituals, and rules while never breaking free from sin in the first place.

This morning as we study what Jesus says about freedom, we are going to discover some things that work both in the political realm of personal freedom and the spiritual realm of freedom. We will see that truth is the key that unlocks the slaves chains. We will see that once truth has done it’s work, you can be free indeed… you can be truly free.

Truth Breaks Chains

John 8:31–32 KJV

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Romans 10:17 KJV

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

John 17:17 KJV

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 • The more you continue in the word, the stronger your faith can become.

 • The more you continue in the word, the more chains are broken, and the freer you become.

 • The more you share Bible Truth with others, the better their chances of becoming free.

 • Political freedom is also dependent upon the free flow of truth. When truth is blurred, covered, or distorted, chains of ignorance and compliance tend to continue to enslave.

Truth Reveals The Reality of One’s Ignorance to His Own Slavery

John 8:33 KJV

They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

Ephesians 2:1–2 KJV

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:

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Revelation 3:17 KJV

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

*boiled frog illustration*

It is the Bible that exposes our true thoughts and intents even if we fool ourselves and others.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Truth Breaks the Bondage of Sin.

 • Shows the reason for bondage

John 8:34 KJV

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

 • Shows the Power over that bondage

Romans 6:1–2 KJV

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

2 Peter 1:3–4 KJV

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 • Gives the steps to freedom

Galatians 5:16–17 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Truth Restores What is Rightfully Ours

John 8:35 KJV

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

Romans 8:15–17 KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Free Indeed!

John 8:36 KJV

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 • The slave will never be able to live in the master’s house… but the truth of the adoption shows that we are no longer slaved but children and heirs… to live in the Father’s house forever!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:02 PM July 3, 2020.