Monthly Archives: December 2021

A Vision For 2022 and Beyond

Sunday Morning Sermons

A Vision For 2022 and Beyond

Pastor Don Carpenter

Leadership / Proverbs 29:18

In the fairy tale, Alice in Wonderland I believe it was the Cheshire Cat who said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” It could be we’re just living a fairy tale if we don’t come to a vision of where God wants us as a church to go.

To be honest, these two years have been very difficult to navigate as a pastor. We have faced many unique challenges for the first time and much of the time, I found myself reacting to things rather than following a clearly mapped out path. As the dust clears I feel God the Holy Spirit leading me to lead us in a very specific direction. The purpose of this morning’s message is to try to communicate with you where I believe we are headed in the next several years. The Lord has been focusing my attention to Reach the Lost and Unchurched and to Worship in Spirit and in Truth. I trust God will stir you as well as I share a Vision for 2022 and Beyond.

A Vision To Reach

Our Town – Our Jerusalem

Acts 1:8 KJV

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 • The cultures in Torrington

 • Religious backgrounds in Torrington

 • Financial Classes in Torrington

 • Political viewpoints in Torrington

 • Increase Social Media Presence

 • Increase Google Presence

 • Increase EBC awareness through social ministry and outreach.

 • Currently Enrolled in Church Marketing University learning best 2022 strategies.

The Lost

Mark 16:15 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 • Those that look lost

 • Those that look like they have it all together.

James 2:1 KJV

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

 • Reach them within their background

1 Corinthians 9:18–22 KJV

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

 • Develop a passion to reach the lost where they are and meet them on that level with the truth of the Gospel.

The Scattered Unchurched Believer.

Ezekiel 34:4 KJV

The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

 In a 2017 Lifeway Research survey, a majority (66%) of Americans ages 23-30 said they stopped attending church on a regular basis for at least a year after turning 18. Among their top reasons was that church members seemed divisive, judgmental or hypocritical. – USA TODAY

 • Wounded over demonic division

James 3:13–16 KJV

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

 • Wounded over misuse of authority or scripture

 • A disembodied believer cannot thrive without finding a local church.

 • It is our job to provide a safe space to heal and grow.

A Vision To Worship

John 4:24 KJV

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

In Spirit – Passion/ Emotion

 • Early churches had multiple pastors/elders/bishops

 • Today we have youth pastors, family pastors, outreach pastors… none of these are specifically in the Bible.

 Habakkuk 3:19 (KJV)

 The LORD God is my strength, And he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words To Keep, Oversee

A. Verb.

natsach (?????, 5329), “to keep, oversee, have charge over.” The word appears as “to set forward” in the sense of “to oversee or to lead” in 1 Chron. 23:4, 2 Chron. 34:12, Ezra 3:8, and Ezra 3:9: “Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God.…” The word appears as “to oversee” in 2 Chron. 2:2: “And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens … and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.”

 • Open your Bible to Psalm 4,5,6,8,9,11,12,13…. 55 uses of this title Chief Musician… 

 • As we grow and pray, I believe that we should pray for a Pastor of Music… an overseer of this part of the ministry… one that can shepherd our folks to use their abilities to their fullest potential in musical worship and outreach. Keeping in mind that we are to reach the multiple cultures in Torrington, the lost, the unchurched, and stir up the hearts of the faithful. I believe somewhere there is a man with the calling of God to fit into this Body with our needs and for our benefit.

In Truth

Proverbs 4:26–27 KJV

Ponder the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. 

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.

Ephesians 4:11–14 KJV

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 • Many good churches have lost their way because of politics or extra – Biblical “standards” or man made rules.

 • Legalism and scriptural inconsistency have driven many believers out of church into a spiritual wasteland. In 2022 and beyond we will drill down deeper into scriptural understanding… standing firmly on what the Bible actually says, and stripping away any man made theological house of cards that have served to confuse and stumble believers.

Evangelical Baptist Church has been my home for 20 years. God willing I hope to be used for another 20 years at least. I am excited for where we have been and where we are headed. We are moving into a digital outreach age. We are looking to reach the blended cultures in Torrington, both the lost and the unchurched. We are looking to fan the flame of spiritual worship by deepening our musical experience and praying in pastoral guidance in this area. Most importantly, we seek to continue to grow deep roots of Biblical understanding and discernment. We seek continue to learn the difference between a Biblical mandate and a cultural or personal preference.  

We have seen exciting days and By the Grace of God we will see new days of Grace and Growth ahead. That is your pastor’s vision for 2022 and beyond.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 6:54 PM December 23, 2021.

Gifts for Jesus

Holiday Sermons

Gifts for Jesus

Pastor Don Carpenter

Author, pastor and commentator Dr. Warren Wiersbe makes an interesting observation in noting that “The magi were seeking the King; Herod was opposing the King; and the Jewish priests were ignoring the King.” He makes further mention of the fact that the Jewish leaders were a mere five miles away from Jesus’ birth place yet they showed no interest or demonstrated any educated preparation for the evidence of Messiah. They knew the Scriptures and could cite by memory the words of the prophets and as they pointed others to the Saviour, they completely ignored the message and evidence themselves.

Tonight, Christmas Eve 2021, we are going to think about the Magi for a few minutes. The knew to look for the King. When they got there, they had the perfect gifts that reflect a perfect understanding of just who this little Baby Jesus really was.

Tonight I want to challenge you. You probably know the stories surrounding the season. Have you actually responded to the truth behind the stories? To have you, like the Magi, come to give personal gifts for Jesus because you fully know who He really is?

Matthew 2:1–11 KJV
Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Beth-lehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Beth-lehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

So the wise men found their way to Bethlehem. We need not think that the star literally moved like a guide across the sky. There is poetry here, and we must not turn lovely poetry into crude and lifeless prose. But over Bethlehem the star was shining. There is a lovely legend which tells how the star, its work of guidance completed, fell into the well at Bethlehem, and that it is still there and can still be seen sometimes by those whose hearts are pure.

Later legends have been busy with the wise men. In the early days, tradition said that there were twelve of them. But now the tradition that there were three is almost universal. The New Testament does not say that there were three, but the idea that there were three no doubt arose from the threefold gift which they brought.

1 William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Third Ed., The New Daily Study Bible (Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 2001), 36.

Wise Men Worshiped

Psalm 72:11 KJV
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: All nations shall serve him.

Isaiah 60:6–7 KJV
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All they from Sheba shall come: They shall bring gold and incense; And they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, And I will glorify the house of my glory.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gold – The Gift For A King

Luke 1:32–33 KJV
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Psalm 72:15 KJV
And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: Prayer also shall be made for him continually; And daily shall he be praised.

So, Jesus was ‘the Man born to be King’. But he was to reign not by force but by love; and he was to rule over human hearts, not from a throne, but from a cross.

We do well to remember that Jesus Christ is King. We can never meet Jesus on equal terms. We must always meet him on terms of complete submission. Nelson, the great British admiral, always treated his vanquished opponents with the greatest kindness and courtesy. After one of his naval victories, the defeated admiral was brought aboard Nelson’s ?agship and on to Nelson’s quarterdeck. Knowing Nelson’s reputation for courtesy, and thinking to trade upon it, he advanced across the quarterdeck with hand outstretched as if he was advancing to shake hands with an equal. Nelson’s hand remained by his side. ‘Your sword ?rst,’ he said, ‘and then your hand.’ Before we can be friends with Christ, we must submit to Christ.

1 William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Third Ed., The New Daily Study Bible (Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 2001), 37.

Pastor Adrian Rogers says this in his sermon about the Magi:

And, you see, when these wise men came to the Lord Jesus Christ and presented to Him gold, what they were saying is that He is a king. I believe that they had learned that the baby that would be born was a king. They learned it from the prophet Daniel. In Daniel chapter 9 and verse 25 Daniel had called the baby that would be born “Messiah the Prince.” (Daniel 9:25) And the word prince means “king, ruler, sovereign.” And when they brought gold, they said, “We recognize His sovereign dominion.”

Have you done that? Have you recognized His sovereign dominion? Isaiah chapter 9 and verse 7: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice henceforth even for ever.” (Isaiah 9:7) This child, this baby that we’re talking about, He is King of kings; He is Lord of lords. Now the question comes this Christmas: Will you offer to the Lord the submission that is due to Him? Because He is your king, it is not enough for you to tip your hat; you must bow your knee.

1 Adrian Rogers, “The Gifts of the Wise Men and Our Gifts to Jesus,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), Mt 2:1–12.

Frankincense – The Gift for a Priest

Exodus 30:8 KJV
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.

Leviticus 16:12 KJV
And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:

Frankincense. Frankincense is a white resin or gum. It is obtained from a tree by making incisions in the bark, and suffering the gum to flow out. It is highly odoriferous or fragrant when burned, and was therefore used in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God. See Ex. 30:8; Le. 16:12. It is found in the East Indies, but chiefly in Arabia; and hence it has been supposed probable that the wise men came from Arabia.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Matthew & Mark, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 14.

Exodus 30:34–38 KJV
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:

And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:

And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.

What is God saying? God is saying that frankincense is the base of this holy incense that is most holy. It is to be given to God. And that incense, as it would rise up out of the tabernacle in the Old Testament, and the temple, speaks of the prayers, the worship of the saints, that goes to Almighty God. What did these wise men recognize? Why were they indeed wise as they were wise? They brought gold, and they recognized His sovereign dominion. And then, they brought frankincense. They recognized His sinless deity: Jesus Christ is God of very God.1

1 Adrian Rogers, “The Gifts of the Wise Men and Our Gifts to Jesus,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), Mt 2:1–12.

1 Timothy 2:5 KJV
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 4:15–16 KJV
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.

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

Hebrews 9:13–14 KJV
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:24–28 KJV
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Myrrh – A Gift For The Dying

Psalm 45:8 KJV
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

John 19:39 KJV
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

Myrrh, a valued spice and perfume (Psalm 45:8), also came from trees and was used in embalming; thus, it was a gift for a person who was going to die (Mark 15:23; John 19:39). These gifts certainly would have provided the financial resources for Joseph and Mary’s trip to Egypt and back (2:13–23).1

1 Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 29.

Jesus came into the world to die. Holman Hunt painted a famous picture of Jesus. It shows Jesus at the door of the carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. He is still only a boy and has come to the door to stretch his limbs, which have grown cramped over the bench. He stands there in the doorway with arms outstretched, and behind him, on the wall, the setting sun throws his shadow, and it is the shadow of a cross. In the background there stands Mary, and as she sees that shadow there is the fear of coming tragedy in her eyes.

Jesus came into the world to live for men and women, and, in the end, to die for them. He came to give for us his life and his death.

Gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, myrrh for one who was to die—these were the gifts of the wise men, and, even at the cradle of Christ, they foretold that he was to be the true king, the perfect high priest, and in the end the supreme Saviour of the world.1

1 William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Third Ed., The New Daily Study Bible (Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 2001), 38.

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.

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

So have you let the reality of the Christmas story change your life? Jesus is the King of Kings! You owe Him your allegiance. Jesus is the great High Priest. He is your only way to God. Jesus is the Atoning Savior. Through His death we can live.

One Sunday morning, a Roman Catholic priest appeared before a congregation of a thousand persons in an Illinois town and said, “My people, I resign my priesthood, though I have been here thirty years.”

At their earnest request he gave his reasons why he did so: “Last night I spent every hour praising God. All sleep had left me. After reading the New Testament I saw that salvation is in Jesus Christ, and is the gift of God’s eternal love. Penance is not in it. Purgatory is not in it. Absolution is not in it. On my knees in my room I accepted the Gift, and I love the Giver. I walked the room most of the night saying to myself: “I accept the Gift, and I love the Giver.” ”

And thus for an hour and a half Father Chiniquy expounded to the people the grace of God. At the close of the sermon he asked how many of them would join with him in accepting the Gift and loving the Giver. Every man, woman, and child, except about forty, responded. And there is a Presbyterian church today.

—A. C. Dison1

1 Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 276.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 6:34 PM December 21, 2021.

Ugly Motives

Sunday Evening Sermons

Ugly Motives

Pastor Don Carpenter

Ugly Christmas Sweater / God / Matthew 6:1–18

Main Idea: Every person is motivated to act by specific things in life. The question is, what is your motivation? Sometimes we are searching for praise from people when we should be seeking praise from God only. With healthy motives, we become people who live a healthy life.

Introduction

Today we are in week three of our current sermon series. If my sweater is any indication, it is a series called Ugly Christmas Sweater.

So far, we’ve talked about how the Christmas season should be the most wonderful time of year. But, we also said, many of us end up with ugly thoughts, actions, and words that can hurt the people around us. Today we want to talk about ugly motives and how they can hinder our relationships and harm our witness in the world.

A pastor shares the following story:

If I am honest, I’ve had ugly motives in some of the gifts I’ve given to my wife for Christmas. A few years ago, I could not figure out what to get her. I searched high and low and eventually found the perfect gift… in my opinion of course. So, I bought it and brought it home. I wrapped it perfectly and put it under the tree with a bow on top. Christmas day came and we opened each gift under the tree. It finally was time for my wife to open her gift from me. She tore the wrapping away and revealed a brand-new deep fryer for the kitchen. My wife was less than excited, to say the least. I tried to explain that with the deep fryer she could make tasty fried chicken or fried okra that I would love to eat. This revealed the issue with the gift. I bought it more for myself than for her. My motive was selfish.)

Each of us make decisions in our lives based on different motivations. It is important for us to pay attention to our motives because they can result in us blessing others or result in us only focusing on ourselves. The mark of a Christian is someone who is motivated by love to treat others as better than themselves. We are always tempted by our sinful nature to put ourselves first, but through the empowerment of the Spirit and the example of Jesus we can rise above our selfish motivations.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus was particularly interested in people’s motives and the reasons for why they did what they did. Jesus knew that people’s motives were really deep-seated heart issues.

Matthew 6:1–2 KJV

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5 KJV

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:16 KJV

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Jesus is speaking to a group of people who focused too much on living out the law and looking righteous in front of others. Their passion to look spiritual was more important to them than actually having a healthy spirituality.

Jesus’ issue was not with the actions the individuals were taking in and of themselves. Of course, giving to the needy is a good thing, and praying + fasting is a good thing.

Jesus was interested in the motive behind the action.

DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR THE WRONG REASON

Ugly motives can nullify our witness in the world. The Christmas season is full of opportunities to serve others and meet their needs. Some people see these opportunities as a way to receive praise for their generosity. So, they drop money in the bell ringer’s buckets hoping the ring of the coins can be heard by all and they make sure to tell the story of how they went to help at the soup kitchen downtown in hopes that others will acknowledge how spiritual they are. Jesus says these folks have received their reward in full. They get the applause and recognition they desired from others, but that is the end.

It seems there is a greater reward we can receive by our willingness to serve others without needing all the recognition. Rather than just getting applause, someone who serves in humility develops a character that is worth far more than the praise of people. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason can cost us our ability to grow into the person God wants for us to be.

The very way in which Jesus came to us at Christmas gives us inspiration for living a life with the right motives.

Luke 2:1–7 KJV

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

If anyone deserved praise for their actions, it surely would have been the God of the universe becoming a human in order to rescue us. But don’t miss the specific way in which Jesus came. He did not come to a castle somewhere as a king or a holy temple in the middle of a city as a priest. He came in the form of a baby in a stinky manger full of farm animals. Clearly, Jesus’ motives were not for recognition and praise, his motivation was love. The very reason we celebrate during Christmas is because of a divine act of humility in the birth of Jesus.

He set the example and invited us to follow His lead.

JESUS IS OUR MOTIVATION

An ugly Christmas sweater at any Christmas party is meant to do one thing. It is meant to draw attention to ourselves. When Jesus is our motivation, the deep desire within us is to draw attention to him. When we serve others, it becomes easy to say we are doing this only because Jesus first served us. When we love others around us it is easy to say we are doing this because Jesus first loved us. We take the spotlight off of us and place it on our Savior, the true hero. He is our true motive.

Story: There is a powerful story of motivation from the likes of college football. Notre Dame football star George Gipp could do it all — run, pass, and punt with unparalleled skill. The 1920 season established Gipp as a football star. But on December 14, 1920, young George Gipp died of pneumonia. But, thanks to college football stories and a movie in which former president Ronald Reagan portrayed Gipp, the story of George Gipp lived on. On November 10, 1928, Notre Dame and Army were tied at halftime in a struggle for victory. Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne, himself a legend, told of being at the dying Gipp’s bedside a few years before. Rockne recalled how Gipp feebly said, “Sometimes, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are going wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go in there with all they’ve got and win just one for the Gipper.” They did.

The Notre Dame football team was motivated to honor the Gipp. It inspired them to fight and to win. As Christians, our motivation for living a life of loving service and a life focused on others is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice motivates us to sacrifice for others as well. Jesus is our motivation. It is like Paul states in Colossians 3:23.

Colossians 3:23 KJV

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

We are not out to impress others when we live righteous lives, we are out to honor our Lord Jesus. He is our motive and our reward for doing the right thing. No more ugly motives, this Christmas we allow Jesus to guide our words and our actions no matter how tempted we are to be self-serving.

IT’S NOT A COMPETITION

One of the reasons we find ourselves fighting against ugly motives is because many times we find ourselves in a competition for attention and accolades. Rivalry is a mentality of the world and has no place in the heart of a Christian–yet it can still be a core motivation.

Paul speaks to this mentality in a passage that precedes what is known as the kenosis passage. It gives context to a section of scripture where Paul lifts up Jesus’ humble and sacrificial life as our model to follow.

Philippians 2:3 KJV

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Apparently, rivalry and competition within the church is not some kind of new issue, it finds its roots all the way back in the early beginnings. Paul knew then that the desire to one-up and to be first would be the undoing of all Jesus came to build and establish. The same is true for us today. We are not in a competition with one another. Instead, we ought to cheer one another on and push each other forward out of love.

When I am motivated to honor Jesus first and honor those around me second, that is the only way we all win. So, let’s stop living as ugly Christmas sweaters with ugly motives focused on ourselves.

Response:

This week I want to challenge you to be a secret servant agent.

This week, I want to invite you to choose one person to do something kind for as a way of honoring Jesus and honoring them.

Here is the key, this needs to be done anonymously. Whatever way you choose to bless them, do not let them know it was you. Allow your motivation for service to be Jesus rather than recognition.

Maybe this means sending an anonymous letter of encouragement, an anonymous gift card, an anonymous gift on a doorstep or an anonymous need being met. And as you’re doing it remember the words of Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Challenge your selfish motivations with selfless acts for others.

This Christmas, our reward is becoming more like the person God designed us to be.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:23 PM December 18, 2021.

The Gift of Love

Sunday Morning Sermons

The Gift of Love

Pastor Don Carpenter

Best Christmas Ever

There was a great theologian who came to the USA from England and was being interviewed by a group of seminary students. The question was asked, “What is the most profound thought that ever occupied your mind.” The answer was, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”

You may go very, very deep in theology; you may become a scholar; you may become a philosopher, but you’ll never ever understand anything more profound than to understand that God loves you so much He gave His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the last three weeks we have been considering what makes this the Best Christmas Ever. Each week we have been focusing on a different element of the Advent. Jesus came into this world, God became flesh. With His arrival He brought us Hope, Peace, Joy, and today we will focus on the final element of Advent, LOVE.

Any birth is a sweet story of miracles, life and love, but Christ’s arrival was no ordinary birth. Jesus, God’s only Son, became flesh so that He could live a perfect life, pay the price for Sin on the cross, and rise again victorious over sin and death, providing us a way to be saved.

Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

The Gift of Love to the Unlovely

The Gift Was Totally Undeserved

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 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Gift was Given out of Love For Sinners

Romans 5:6–8 KJV

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The Gift Was God’s Only Son

 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.

John 1:14 KJV

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.

John 1:18 KJV

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

 1 John 4:9–10 (KJV)

 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (2662 ???????)

 ??????? =means of forgiveness, an atoning sacrifice

The Gift of Life to the Dead 

 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.

On Our Own We are Dead In Sin

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:

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:

John 3:18 KJV

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36 KJV

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

We Unwrap the Gift of Eternal Life By Faith

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.

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.

Romans 5:10 KJV

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

John 3:15 KJV

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 KJV

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Romans 8:33 KJV

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

Romans 5:1 KJV

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

I don’t understand electricity, but I’m no fool—I’m not going to sit around in the dark till I do. I don’t understand the thermodynamics of internal combustion and the hydraulics of an automatic transmission either, but I’m no fool—I’m not going to stay in one place until I do. The truth is that I don’t understand a great deal of the things that are part of my everyday life, but I make them a part of my life anyway.

The same is true of salvation. No one will fully understand how God could become man, how he could die, how his death could be the basis for our forgiveness, how he could give you and me a new life, and all of the other aspects of salvation. But only a fool would ignore such a great opportunity just because he didn’t understand it.1

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 318.

The Gift of Righteousness to the Condemned

John 3:17 KJV

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Next time you’re in an airport notice the difference between passengers who have confirmed tickets and those on standby (Hybels, Too Busy Not to Pray 113). Those who have confirmed tickets are relaxed, their confident and expectant. Those on standby hang around the ticket counter, they pace and smoke, pace and smoke, pace and smoke…all because of uncertainty. God offers us freedom from the burden of uncertainty, so we can know for sure where we stand with God.

Romans 3:19–25 KJV

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

2 Corinthians 5:19–21 KJV

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 

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. 

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.

2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

This last Sunday before Christmas 2021, let us rejoice in God’s Gift of Love, His own precious Son…. given for our salvation.

If you are still trying to merit heaven by your actions, your denomination, your sacraments, please, turn from these dead works and trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. You will experience the true meaning of the statement “God So Loved the World”. Ask Jesus to save you once and for all, and this will be the Best Christmas Ever!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 3:52 PM December 16, 2021.

Don’t Get Carried Away

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Don’t Get Carried Away!

Pastor Don Carpenter

2021 Bible Reading Challenge

J.I. Packer wrote, “All Christians are at once beneficiaries and victims of tradition—beneficiaries, who receive nurturing truth and wisdom from God’s faithfulness in past generations; victims, who now take for granted things that need to be questioned, thus treating as divine absolutes patterns of belief and behavior that should be seen as human, provisional, and relative. We are all beneficiaries of good, wise, and sound tradition and victims of poor, unwise, and unsound traditions.”

Tonight’s passage is a short and pithy warning about becoming spoiled. In this case, Paul is not warning about soul rot, but rather being carried away by the forces of darkness as spoils of war. Every one of us as believers are targets of the Dark One. He and his wish to get us off track, to get us away from truth and to carry us away deceived and confused, and thus rendered ineffective in the battle for truth.

The warning is simple and profound we need to beware of those things that can be used to move us from Bible truth. We must be vigilant so that we do not get carried away.

Colossians 2:8 KJV

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Don’t Get Carried Away

“Beware” is blepete (???????), “Be constantly looking out, keep a watchful eye ever open.” Lightfoot says; “The form of the sentence is a measure of the imminence of the peril.” Expositors says; “The future indicative after m? (??) (not) implies a more serious estimate of the danger than the subjunctive.” The Greek is, “Be ever on your guard lest there shall be anyone who spoils you.” 1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 6 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 199.

 Paul continued the military image with this warning: “Beware lest any man carry you off as a captive” (literal translation). The false teachers did not go out and win the lost, no more than the cultists do today. They “kidnapped” converts from churches! Most of the people I have talked with who are members of antichristian cults were at one time associated with a Christian church of one denomination or another.

 How is it possible for false teachers to capture people? The answer is simple: These “captives” are ignorant of the truths of the Word of God. They become fascinated by the philosophy and empty delusion of the false teachers. (This is not to say that all philosophy is wrong, because there is a Christian philosophy of life. The word simply means “to love wisdom.”) When a person does not know the doctrines of the Christian faith, he can easily be captured by false religions.1

1 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 125.

 Regardless of the specific teachings, the fundamental problem Paul identifies is that human rules and traditions are being recommended as necessary supplements to Christ. However, it is also possible that Paul is not correcting a particular false teaching. Instead, Paul could be concerned with the immaturity and ignorance of the Colossian believers.1

1 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Col 2:8.

Don’t Get Carried Away By Philosophy And Vain Deceit

philosophia (?????????, 5385) denotes “the love and pursuit of wisdom,” hence, “philosophy,” the investigation of truth and nature; in Col. 2:8, the so-called “philosophy” of false teachers. “Though essentially Greek as a name and as an idea, it had found its way into Jewish circles … Josephus speaks of the three Jewish sects as three ‘philosophies’ … It is worth observing that this word, which to the Greeks denoted the highest effort of the intellect, occurs here alone in Paul’s writings … the Gospel had deposed the term as inadequate to the higher standard whether of knowledge or of practice, which it had introduced (Lightfoot).1

1 W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 470.

1 Corinthians 1:19–20 KJV

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Galatians 1:11 KJV

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

1. apate (?????, 539), “deceit or deceitfulness” (akin to apatao, “to cheat, deceive, beguile”), that which gives a false impression, whether by appearance, statement or influence, is said of riches, Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19; of sin, Heb. 3:13.1

1 W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 151.

Philippians 3:2 KJV

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Don’t Get Carried Away By Traditions of Men

The word tradition means “that which is handed down”; and there is a true Christian tradition (1 Cor. 15:3ff; 2 Thes. 2:15; 3:6; 2 Tim. 2:2). The important thing about any teaching is its origin: Did it come from God or from man? The religious leaders in our Lord’s day had their traditions and were very zealous to obey them and protect them (Matt. 15:1–20). Even the Apostle Paul, before he met the Lord, was “exceedingly zealous of the traditions” (Gal. 1:14).

If a new Christian from a distant mission field were to visit many of our churches, he would probably be astounded at the ideas and practices we have that cannot be supported by God’s Word. Our man-made traditions are usually more important to us than the God-given doctrines of the Scriptures! While it is not wrong to have church traditions that remind us of our godly heritage, we must be careful not to make these traditions equal to the Word of God.1

1 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 125.

Matthew 15:3 KJV

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Don’t Get Carried Away By Basic Worldly Teaching

“Rudiments” is stoicheia (????????), “rudimentary teachings,” such as “ceremonialism, meats, drinks, washings, Essenic asceticism, pagan symbolic mysteries and initiatory rites—all belonged to a rudimentary moral stage” (Vincent). “World” is kosmos (??????). Lightfoot defines; “belonging to the sphere of material and external things.”1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 6 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 200.

Galatians 4:9–10 KJV

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Colossians 2:20–22 KJV

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 

(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

 • Replacing the person of Christ for building blocks of merit based living.

Galatians 1:12 KJV

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 2:13 KJV

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

In the New York Times Magazine Robert Bryce writes:

Autumn is prime time for the use of eyeblack in sports: baseball players in daytime playoff games and football players put dark stuff under their eyes, supposedly to reduce glare bouncing off their cheeks. One popular smear, called No Glare, contains crushed charcoal, paraffin, beeswax and petrolatum. Does it do anything? Dr. Oliver Schein, an ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says, “Probably not.” Even so, it’s a tradition. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a photo of the Washington Redskins fullback Andy Farkas using it way back in 1942. Bobby Valentine, when he managed the Texas Rangers, once wore eyeblack in the dugout. Boog Powell, the former Baltimore Orioles star, used it during his 17 years in the majors. “I don’t remember it ever doing any good,” he says. “But you looked cool.”

We do well on occasion to examine our traditions to see whether we really know their purpose—and whether they accomplish that purpose.1

1 Craig Brian Larson, 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 581–582.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:25 PM December 15, 2021.

Duty Bound

Uncategorized

Duty Bound

Pastor Don Carpenter

2021 Bible Reading Challenge

When DAVE THOMAS died in early 2002, he left behind more than just thousands of Wendy’s restaurants. He also left a legacy of being a practical, hard-working man who was respected for his down-to-earth values.

Among the pieces of good advice that have outlived the smiling entrepreneur is his view of what Christians should be doing with their lives. Thomas, who as a youngster was influenced for Christ by his grandmother, said that believers should be “roll-up-your-shirt sleeves” Christians.

In his book Well Done, Thomas said, “Roll-up-your-shirtsleeves Christians see Christianity as faith and action. They still make the time to talk with God through prayer, study Scripture with devotion, be super-active in their church and take their ministry to others to spread the Good Word.” He went onto say they are “anonymous people who are doing good for Christ may be doing even more good than all the well-known Christians in the world.”

That statement has more meat in it than a Wendy’s triple burger. Thomas knew ab out hard work in the restaurant business; and he knew it is vital in the spiritual world also.

Let’s Roll-up-our-shirt sleeves, there is plenty to do.

(Source: Dave Branon, Our Daily Bread. From a sermon by Dennis Davidson, Authentic Faith Works, 10/26/2009)

_____

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans as a treatise on Salvation, how to obtain it and what to do with it once you have. In Chapter 15, Paul is summarizing the life of a believer. In verse one he uses a word that characterizes that summary. The word is “ought”.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 71.25 ??????

71.25 ??????c: to be obligatory in view of some moral or legal requirement—‘ought, to be under obligation.’

God has much to say about how we are to behave in this world. This passage in a simple summary of our obligations as followers of Christ. These are the building blocks of character. These are the things to which we are duty bound to pursue.

We Ought to Bear The Infirmities of the Weak

Romans 15:1 KJV

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

We That Are Strong(er)

Refers to believers who confidently trust that they no longer have to adhere to the religious rules they practiced before coming to Christ. Freedom in Christ clears their conscience (see 14:1).1

1 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ro 15:1.

to bear Paul encourages more than just tolerance; he wants the strong to be sympathetic toward the weak, even willing to restrict their freedom to prevent the weak from acting against their consciences. This is an opportunity for the strong to demonstrate the love of Christ and the unity of the Spirit.

Infirmities of the weak

“Infirmities” is asthen?ma (????????), used of physical or mental weakness.

the weak Refers to those who are unconfident about what they can or cannot eat. See note on 14:1.1

1 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ro 15:1.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

 The Christian fellowship should be marked by the consideration of its members for each other. Always their thoughts should be not for themselves but for each other. But this consideration must not degenerate into an easy-going, indulgent lack of concern. It must always be designed for the good and for the upbuilding in the faith of the other person. It is not the toleration which tolerates because it is too lazy to do anything else. It is the toleration which knows that people may be won much more easily to a fuller faith by surrounding them with an atmosphere of love than by attacking them with a battery of criticism.1

1 William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans, 3rd ed. fully rev. & updated., The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 230.

We Ought to Seek to Build Up Our Neighbor First.

Romans 15:2–3 KJV

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

John 6:38 KJV

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV

Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Philippians 2:4 KJV

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 Joni Eareckson Tada recently told a story commenting on Romans 15:1-2: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

 She writes, “My husband, Ken, serves as a track-and-field coordinator for Special Olympics. There is always band music, colorful banners, and flags everywhere. Scattered across the infield are teams of mentally handicapped young people.

 “A few years ago at the games, Ken blew his whistle to signal the contestants for the 50-yard dash. A Down’s syndrome girl with thick glasses and a short, stocky boy in baggy shorts were the first to line up. There was a moment of stillness, then a bang from the starting gun. Off they sprinted–six contestants bobbing and weaving down the track.

 “Suddenly the boy in baggy shorts began running toward his friends in the infield. Ken blew his whistle to direct him back to the track, but it was no use. At that point, the Down’s syndrome girl, who was just a few yards from the finish line, turned around, ran toward him, and gave him a big hug. Together they got back on the track and completed the race arm-in-arm, long after the rest of the contestants had crossed the finish line.”

 She ends by saying, “We must run the race not to please ourselves, but to please the Lord. That often means taking time to stop and put our arms around a weaker friend who needs to get back on track. Have you watched a fellow believer get spiritually confused, and yet you’ve kept on going? Jesus doesn’t seems as preoccupied with ‘winning’ as we do. The important thing is how we run the race. And we are called to run it, bearing with the failings of those who are weak.”

(From a sermon by Rodney Buchanan, Christ’s Prayer for the Church, 6/6/2011)

We Ought to Read and Learn From the Book

Romans 15:4 KJV

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 9:10 KJV

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

 The Christian fellowship should be marked by the study of Scripture; and, from that study of Scripture, Christians draw encouragement. Scripture, from this point of view, provides us with two things. (a) It gives us the record of God’s dealing with a nation, a record which is the demonstration that it is always better to be right with God and to suffer than to be wrong with society and to avoid trouble. The biblical history of Israel is the demonstration in the events of history that ultimately life turns out well for the good, but evil comes to the wicked. Scripture demonstrates not that God’s way is ever an easy way, but in the end it is the only way to everything that makes life worthwhile in time and in eternity. (b) It gives us the great and precious promises of God. It is said that the great preacher Alexander Whyte sometimes had a habit of uttering one text when he left a home during his pastoral visitation; and, as he uttered it, he would say: ‘Put that under your tongue and suck it like a sweetie.’ These promises are the promises of a God who never breaks his word. In these ways, Scripture gives to those who study it comfort in their sorrow and encouragement in their struggle.

1 William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans, 3rd ed. fully rev. & updated., The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 230–231.

1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

2 Corinthians 3:12 KJV

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

2 Timothy 2:25 KJV

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

We Ought to Be Like Minded Toward Each Other

Romans 15:5 KJV

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Ezekiel 11:19 KJV

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

A number of years ago in Canada, a little two-year-old girl wandered away from her neighborhood. It was a cold, winter day. Her parents alerted the neighbors and they saw some tracks in the snow, but there were a lot of other tracks, so for several hours the searchers went in all different directions calling her name. They didn’t find her. A little before sunset one of the men said, “Instead of all working separately, let’s join hands and form a long line and walk through the field together. That way we cannot miss a square foot.”

That’s what they did. They joined hands and together walked as one long line calling that little girl’s name. Tragically, they found her frozen body curled up. One of the men said with great anguish, “Oh, if we had only joined hands sooner.

We Ought To Unite in Praise With One Voice

Romans 15:6 KJV

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 32:39 KJV

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

Psalm 102:18 KJV

This shall be written for the generation to come: And the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

 The Christian fellowship should be marked by praise. It is no bad test to apply to people to ask whether the main accent of their voices is one of grumbling discontent or cheerful thanksgiving. ‘What can I do, who am a little old lame man,’ said Epictetus, ‘except give praise to God?’ Christians should enjoy life because they enjoy God. They will carry their secret within them, for they will be sure that God is working all things together for good.

1 William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans, 3rd ed. fully rev. & updated., The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 232.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:31 AM December 1, 2021.