Next Weeks Lesson 1/8/2006

January 8

Pray For Everyone

Bible Background * 1 Timothy 2

Printed Text * 1 Timothy 2: 1-8

Devotional Reading * 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22

God Gives Strength

Timothy is a preacher or teacher charged with the resposibility of safeguarding the gospel of Jesus Christ at Ephesus. As we mentioned last week Gnosticism and a new word "ascetisim" were rampant. The three letters known as the pastoral letters are addressed to Timothy, but they are written for the entire congregation. This lesson is too encourage strength, and steadfastness in the gospel Jesus Christ has given Christians. Paul is the writer of these letters, he uses his own life as a witness to the power of God.


Passage 1 Timothy 1:12-20:

12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.


These first two verses is Paul telling how the gospel of Jesus, has changed his life. He tells of the different things he was guilty of doing before his tranformation. Many of them carried a sentence of death, in the old testament. Paul admitted his ignorance and earlier disbelief. He thanked God for his mercy, for forgiving him of his sins.


14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16Howbeit 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.

17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.


This tells how merciful the Lord was in giving us Jesus Christ. It was far beyond what sinners were worthy of being given. The word being given to us, is something we can trust and believe. God is telling us here, he is the chief of all people, that means everyone. Separation has already been an issue among believers. We always wanted to leave somebody out, just like we do today. Jesus led by example, while he was here on earth. As Christians we are bound to face obstacles too. We are given the ammunition, to overcome these things we face. This last passage tells us who we must be dedicated too. In spite of the fact that we haven't seen him, and he transcends all time. God is our hope for eternal life, and that's the end of story.


18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.


This is the apostle Paul, talking directly to Timothy. It has been prophesied that this would take place, long before Timothy came on the scene. False prophets and persecutors of the faith. This letter was written to prepare Timothy, for what was yet to come. Some have already ventured away from has been taught. The analogy of a shipwreck is used to demonstrate running out of water. Water being the fluid which sustains us, what keeps us afloat. The mention of Hymenaeus of Alexander is to show us where blasphemers end up. In a state of disarray, not having destination or direction. Not that they are doomed, but they must change their ways. That's the thing about Christianity, it provides another chance.

Next Weeks Lesson 1/1/2006

January 1 "Happy New Years"

God Gives Strength

Bible Background * 1 Timothy 1

Printed Text * 1 Timothy 1: 12-20

Devotinal Reading * Romans 16: 17-27

First Quarter

We have viewed the gospel of Jesus Christ through the eyes Isaiah in the old testament, and Luke in the new. Isaiah was a Jewish prophet, he lived before Jesus was born. Yet he foretold of his ministry in detail. Luke had the distinction of not walking with Jesus, he wasn't a disciple. He accquired his account of the gospel through divine revelation.In these lessons we have tried to remove the barriers of race, and position. The Pharisees and Sadducees were a supremist type of Jew. People had hang-ups even back then. In bibical times it appears to be more of a lineage thing, than one of color. Jews and Gentiles could very well look the same. Today we use tremendous amounts of time and effort, to determine whether God is Black or White. The initial challenge was to make the Jews aware of the significance, of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Those in seek of salvation, were no longer under the law. Everyone who accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ, is now saved by grace.

Merry Christmas To All

Good News For The World

Again we have the advantage of looking at, the before and after ministry of Jesus Christ. Isaiah gave his depiction of the coming of Christ, as a prophecy. Luke gave his account of the gospel, to the Greek of his day.I felt this should be mentioned,to show the importance placed on race. The gospel had to come from someone like themselves, for people to be receptive. Much like the problem in our society today.Many times we miss the message, trying to classify the messenger. Luke had the distinction of being the only non-Jew, that gave one of the synoptic gospels. The Jews were uppity and conceited in the law.Up until the time of Jesus,they had been Gods chosen people.The Greek were the scholars of that time. They were more in tune to their intelligence, than they were the will of God.I would imagine Gnosticism was prevalent among them. In todays lesson we see how the gospel is good news to everyone.

Passage Isaiah 61:1-2:

Isaiah 61
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

It is discussed in another forum that this is not the voice of Isaiah, I think it was. All that Isaiah had said about Jesus to this point was prophetic.What's the difference now? I don't think it was a coincidence, that he spoke the same exact words in the above passage.That Jesus did himself, in Luke 4:18-19.In my opinion it just adds legitimacy to what he says. In a atmosphere of doubters and unbelievers. In hindsight it just served as further proof, that the prohecy was real.The message was the same regardless who said it. It proclaimed the mission of Jesus, and who it was for. To everyone that accepts, believes, and confesses.

Passage Luke 2:8-12:

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.



Here we begin Lukes account of the birth of the saviour. This speaks of an angel of the lord coming in the night. To tell some sheperds tending their flock, about the saviour Jesus Christ. In Matthew 2:1 they referred to these sheperds as wise men.In the Christmas stories they always say, three wise men.I wondered where the three wise men came from. I couldn't find it anywhere in the bible.Someone has more information, than given in scripture.Or else they made it up.The fact that Luke only referred to them as sheperds.I believe it was for a reason. I think it was due to him being Greek. He wouldn't consider Jewish sheperds as being wise men, or someone being responsible for bringing the good news to the Greeks.The sheperds were given a sign to validate what the angel said. Where they would find the baby Jesus, and what he would be wearing.


Passage Luke 2:13-15:

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

The angel bringing the message wasn't alone. There were many other angels who joined him in praise. These sheperds were so impressed with what they had just seen.They decided to go to Bethlehem to look for what they had been told about.


Passage Luke 2:16-20:

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

They went and found Mary,Joseph and Jesus in a manger. Today we would refer to it as a stable. I have even heard people describe the manger, as sweet smelling hay.That couldn't be farther from the truth.If you've ever been to a stable, the hay smells anything but sweet.After these men had seen what was revealed to them by the angel of the lord.They were excited by their revelations and couldn't wait to tell others.Others weren't as excited as the sheperds were, but they listened. When it said Mary pondered. That raised question marks for me.On last week we established Marys'faith.What could she possibly not be sure of, after all she had been through? After giving it more thought, I came up with this. That was an example of undying faith. She had trusted God up until that point. Why would she stop now? It was just another step in her life confirmed, in her service to God.The sheperds were off and running. They began evangelizing on all they had heard and seen.

Next Weeks Lesson 12/25/2005

December 25 "Merry Christmas"

Good News For The World


Bible Background * Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 2:8-20

Printed Text * Isaiah 61: 1-2; Luke 2: 8-20

Devotional Reading * Isaiah 52:7-12

Hope For Those Who Suffer

To start this lesson, again we start with the prophecies of Isaiah.He spoke of Jesus several hundreds (700)of years before he was born. This lesson overstretches boundaries. It deals with the old as well as the new. This indicates to us,that the gospel of Jesus Christ is timeless. It's for yesterday,today and forevermore.The same instructions given to Isaiah, are the same as those given to you today.The old and the new testament, both prepare us for salvation.People exert a lot of effort to try and separate the two. To no avail,I might add. One testament qualifies the other.


Passage Isaiah 53:1-3:

1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

These three verses tell all who have accepted,of a messiah yet to come. It describes the childhood of an average boy with humble beginnings. Jesus was born in a manger, in a stable. Jesus was born the son of a carpenter (Joseph) and a poor Israelite woman(Mary). Nothing about him, alarms those around him of his significance. His parents were aware, because his birth in itself was a miracle. Jesus was born through immaculate conception. Early in his life, Jesus had to be protected from the King Herrod. The King gave an order to kill all male babies. Had his family not picked up and moved. Jesus would have been killed too. Like to the Jews of that day.The description given of Jesus here,isn't what one would expect. They expected a galant sword wielding man, much like people they had already seen. Just more physically powerful than the others. They predicted the Messiah to be a warrior. I think scripture just went farther to prove, the fact that Jesus was a humble servant.There goes the word servant again.Even Jesus was one, don't you think we should be to? Accessible to everyone who seeks Gods kingdom.It goes on to foretell of his unwelcome experiences as a grown man spreading the word.Though he came with a message for all. He was rejected and persecuted by some. All the things we read about him, seems like something we've heard before. Probably because we have, or at least we should.



Passage Luke 1:47-50:

47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation


Here we have some of the beginnings of Lukes account of the gospel. Here he is expressing to us the joy, with which Mary accepted her mission.She and Joseph had to have a strong belief in God.To accept something unheard of and absent of familiarity.They both made sacrifices, that the average person would have had issues with. Mary put her faith and trust in God, when it defied logic and reasoning. We have to trust God no matter what, like Mary did. She has committed herself to service. To give birth to the messiah. These verses are known as the "Song Of Mary" or "Servant Song". Her acknowledgement of her need for salvation.And the role she plays in accomplishing that. What greater honor than to ba a part of your own deliverance.Especially with her not being of stature in the community.Man would have expected this to be set aside for a dignitary. It shows us how Jesus appealed to everyone, not just those of means.That is and will be the case forever.For all generations to come.

Passage Luke 1:51-55:

51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

54He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

This describes the the way in which Jesus would break up the status quo. He would impart to them the wishes of his father God. As opposed to following the wishes of the flesh.Which is what many had chose to do.Do whatever we wanted to. Flesh does not only pertain to sex, and the body.It applies to any wish, that's not of God.It speaks of a transformation where the high will be made low. And the low will be made high.That's the opposite of the ways of the world. Man is materialistic to say the least. On earth he who has the gold, makes the rules. In spite of what we're facing, the best is yet to come.Many times it seems as though the unrighteous are being rewarded. No matter where we are, or what we're going through.We see the Jews as an example of how God never abandons us. In spite of their rebellion, he never gave up on them. We must hold fast to our faith. To be in position for our final reward. Trust God and never doubt.The same promises given to Abraham, are given to us as well.

Next Weeks Lesson 12/18/2005

December 18

Hope For Those Who Suffer

Bible Background * Isaiah 53; Luke 1

Printed Text * Isaiah 53:1-3; Luke 1: 47-55

Devotional Reading * Romans 12:9-16

Strength For The Weary

Again we deal with the prophesies of the prophet Isaiah. People of that time could've presumed this prophecy to pertain to Moses. As I said in last weeks lesson today we have the advantage of knowing about Jesus Christ . We can look at scripture and know of whom it speaks. Many of the obstacles Jesus endured in his ministry, Moses had faced as well. We see that those who came before us. Relied and were supplied by God , in the most dire of situations. Then like now whatever we face. We must look to God for our strength.

Passage Isaiah 49:5-6:
5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

These two verses identify the gospel and it's purpose. Jacob is a name given to the Israelites. Initially those designated as Gods chosen people. Notice the extension of the gift, to the Gentiles too. The one who the lord has appointed, the deliverance of his people. Will bring to the world these two things. To raise up the tribe of Judah, and be a light until the end.

Passage Isaiah 50:4-6:
4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
6I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

This is where the difference is evident to me. If there was any doubt about whether it was Jesus or Moses, they were erased here. For those willing to accept the word of God. Moses posessed neither a learned, or well spoken tongue. He was always looking for an answer from the lord. He kept Aaron as a spokesman, because he stuttered when he talked. Today as Christians we know from our studies. Jesus was blessed with an inner knowledge, of his fathers business. From a child he amazed even the most prolific of scholars. In spite of all he was subject to hear and be challenged with. He held fast to the gospel. Offering the world a word, that has stood the test of time. In spite of all the inhumanities suffered in verse 6.

Passage Isaiah 50:7-9:
7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

Whatever we come up against, in our Christian walk. The lord God is with us. When we know God is on our side. We can plant our feet and look ahead. If the lord is with me ,who can stand against me. Whatever comes against you will not last. Eventually it will rot.

Next Weeks Lesson 12/11/2005

December 11

Strength For The Weary



Bible Background * Isaiah 49-50


Printed Text * Isaiah 49:5-6; 50: 4-9


Devotional Reading * Isaiah 49: 7-13

Justice For All

I had to read this lesson a few times, before the message finally sunk in. My first impression was the prophet was talking about Jesus. He actually was, but it applies to us too. I noticed the prophet never said his name. He never called the name Jesus, or referred to him as the son of God. I think that was for a reason. Not only that it probably would have been called blasphemy. That also makes the lesson timeless. I read it over and over again. It just wasn't there. I find that many lessons are learned by Christians today, based on our prior knowledge as taught by Jesus. The prophet Isiah spoke of a messiah that was yet to come. Today we have the advantage of hindsight. We have the new testament. Many of the things prophesied of Jesus, like his character. We possess the holy spirit, that will be poured unto all who accept. As effective Christians, it should be evident in us as well. The aim of this lesson was to recognize the importance of Jesus bringing justice and redemption, to the entire world. For some reason I felt convicted. I suppose as well I should.

Passage Isaiah 42:1:
Isaiah 42
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles

Throughout the entire lesson, the only title used is servant. The person in charge of bringing redemption and justice to the gentiles, will be identified as such. We should be servants. It speaks of the many qualities bestowed on this person by the lord. To be the elect of God, is quite a tall order. No one except Jesus Christ, has been able to fill that order. We should still be striving in our daily lives. It's a never ending challenge, we as Christians must face. We should be in constant service to bring others to God. Not just with our lip service, but our actions as well.

Passage Isaiah 42:2-5:
2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

What better recommendation could someone have, than that of the creator himself? The one who created everything. The lord spoke through the prophet Isiah, of a light and a covenant for his people. Being brought forth by a servant who would be relentless in his pursuits. His people being everyone, that chooses to be in the kingdom. We must always remember the Jews unwillingness to share, in the gospel equally. Naturally just like man, they wanted to keep it to themselves. Since Adam and Eves initial failure, in the Garden of Eden. God has prepared his people, to come into the light. Eventually sending his son. As a sacrifice for us.

Passage Isaiah 42:6-8:
6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

The gospel exceeds all race nationality and gender lines. In verse seven prison is used as an analogy. Though someone may not be in a physical prison. They can still be locked up. If they don't accept the message of Jesus Christ, they are still imprisoned. In the final verse, God let's us know there is nothing more to come. He is the only one worthy of the glory. As time has gone on, we see the need for this instruction in our lives today. Man seems to have an inate need to worship something other than God. As time goes on we've witnessed that. Based on prophecy, there's more to come. Now that we have the example of Jesus Christ, what does that mean to us? Today anyone who hasn't accepted Jesus Christ as their saviour. Needs to get a word from us. We've been summoned by the creator to pass the word on. To share with them the light.

Pauls Farewell

The printed texts so you can read it, are Acts 20:17-28, 36-38. The devotional reading is Acts 20: 31-35.In this paticular story we see where Paul has summoned the elders of the young church at Ephesus. He asked the elders to meet him at Miletus , which was about 35 miles away from Ephesus. In those days that accounted for a full days journey. He was stopping there in route to Jerusalem. To these people, Paul was the catylyst of their spiritual conversion. Ephesus was a city whose name meant "city of immorality". They had temples devoted to sex. Paul was the example of Christianity. Actions speak louder than words. If you're living right, your light will shine for others to see. That was the first thing Paul established, in his address to the elders. Letting his life and teachings, be his primary character witness.Unlike believers of that time. We have 20/20 vision in the written word. Believers of that time had prophecy. Telling them of things yet unseen. Early Christians required a blind faith, today we don't have to exercise. They believed in their hearts, this would be their last meeting with Paul. That prevented this from being a joyous occasion, or one for celebration. Paul was taking this last meeting as an oppurtunity, to reinforce his teachings. Assuring them they had full knowledge. He had taught them everything as given to him. Holding from them nothing. Appointing them overseers of the faith. Once he had gone, the gospel must live on.The lesson aim was a general one. Show appreciation and respect to those, who have shared the faith with you. To loose someone close to you, is a major blow. Not saying that we won't experience heartache in our Christian walk. It pains us deeply at the loss of a loved one. I personally don't belive people who say they don't fear death. I think they're trying to prove their faith to someone else. If the two of you are believers, you know that's not the end. In the final verses. Paul and the elders, prayed together and wept. And they escorted him to the ship. Does this put you in the mind, of sending a loved one off ? He left them with a hope of things better to come. He left them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Priscilla And Aquila: Team Ministry

I think we are living in a time of religious persecution, in America right now. It has become popular to attack and question Christianity, even among so-called Christians. Since when did the word of God, need modifications to make it fit ? To my knowledge, that hasn't come to pass. I don't think the word of God is wishy-washy as many, would have you think. As a matter of fact, I know it's not. I have encountered several ministers even pastors, questioning the validity of scripture. Always asking the question,"What did God really mean" ? Not always asking the question themselves, but entertaining the vain babblings of others. Here's a little FYI. If you want to know if they have an agenda, here's a test. If they ask the question, and have the answer as well. That's a dead give-away. They wanted to tell you anyway. That was the pupose of the question. How can the word of God as written, possibly be misconstrued as the doctrine of some other group. The different opinions are merely translations. Skewered with their personal biases. I feel we are now feeling the effects, of a fluffed up religion. A result of all this prosperity preaching from the megapreachers around the country. Everyone is looking for a gift from God.When I say fluffed up, I mean not of solid foundation. The first sign of trouble they abandon ship. Revert back to the old way of doing things. The gospel isn't all about, what God can do for you. It's also about our personal sacrifices. What healthy relationship is only one sided? As long as we're getting the new car,or new house we love him. When the money get's tight, or we loose a job. What if a personal relationship falls apart, with our spouse. Don't mention the death of a loved one. The occurence of any one or more, of these definite possibilities. The love and faith in God seem to disappear. That's when we need him most. The same God that was with you in the good times, is the same God with you now in the bad. Nobody preached about it rains on the just, as well as the unjust. That isn't a popular message. The new converts haven't been prepared for the storms of life yet. The slightest of a wind will blow them off course.Having become aware of this falling away, so to speak. It deeply troubled my spirit. I know I am only ultimately responsible for my own salvation. But I know Jesus didn't die just for me. We must be concerned with the welfare of others. Just as God was for us. As Christians we already have the gift, of something better yet to come. If you truly believe, why would you want any less for anyone else. I first noticed this during this past presidential election. We began to put our trust in a man, instead of in God. Letting our temporal concerns, outweigh our spiritual convictions. Taking a stand for the truth is like standing on the firing line. Some people would turn on their mother. If she stood between them, and their worldly ways. Those of us who know the score, now need to earn our wings. The body of Christ should have it's soldiers on the battlefield. Fully dressed in our armour for God. For those that are out here fighting. We need to be like Priscilla and Aquila encouraging our brethren in the faith.