TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH // Sunday, November 10, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, November 10, 2024
To the End of the Earth
Acts 1: 8 (NKJV)
…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Saturating the world with the gospel even to the most remote areas…
Overwhelming!
Not a Burden… Joyous Adventure!!!
Boy with 5 Loaves & 2 Fish
Panoramic View of the Bible
1. Creation Narrative
2. Flood Narrative
3. Tower of Bable
4. Abrahamic Covenant
Genesis 12: 3 (NKJV)
I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
5. Poetic Literature
~ 175 verses focused on taking salvation to the ends of the earth…
The psalmists called on the people of Israel to praise the Lord and declare His deeds to the nations so that they too might worship the Lord God of Israel. The psalmists both invited and exhorted the nations of the earth to worship the Lord.
~ TJ Betts
Psalm 67: 4
God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah.
2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
6. Prophetic Literature
Isaiah 49: 6 (NLT)
“You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Simeon spoke these words over Jesus at His dedication in the temple
Luke 2
7. The Great Commission
Matthew 28: 19 & 20 (NLT)
…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
LPAG / OC Response:
1. Equipping people
Yesterday…
Amour Bearer Tuesday Classes
Home Groups
2. Prayer Guide
Church Mobilized
Doors opened / Opportunities
Interceding for Missionaries
3. Eternal Focus
Hebrews 9: 27 (NLT)
…each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.
4. Generosity
Women & Children
Project Rescue Logo
$3,000.00
Liberation Offering
July 4th
Goal: $12,000.00
Lisa Russi & Joy Krajicek
$2,400.00
ComPact Logo
$3,000.00
Shauna Whiddon
$2,200.00
ChildHope Logo
$1,700.00
One Child Logo
$15,000.00
Women’s Care Center Logo
$3,000.00
Vulnerable Women & Children
$42,300.00
Convoy of Hope Logo
Easter Sunday
Resurrection Offering
Goal: $40,000.00
STL Logo
$15,000.00
BGMC Logo
Goal: $5,000.00
12 U.S. Missionaries
$15,000.00
25 World Missionaries
$28,260.00
Faith Promise
Need: $43,260.00
60 Pledges of $60.00 = $43,200.00
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR // Sunday, November 3, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, November 3, 2024
Love Your Neighbor
(Picture of Yard Sign)
Biblical Insights on Government
1. Government is intended for our good.
Romans 13: 1 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Government is intended to incentivize good conduct and to restrain evil.
Government officials are to be servants of God.
Romans 13: 4 (ESV)
For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Because God instituted government for our benefit and to restrain evil, we should:
1. Be good citizens
2. Pay our taxes
2. Government is inherently flawed because of sinful humanity
3. Periodically, government falls under demonic powers.
The Naked Communist
How should we respond when persecuted by the government?
Proverbs 27: 12 (NASB)
A prudent person sees evil and hides himself; but the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.
4. Government if temporary and provisional.
Government is intended to incentivize good conduct
and to restrain evil.
Proverbs 29: 10 (NASB)
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked person rules, people groan.
Summary Statements:
1. Patriotism NOT Utopianism
2. Pay taxes even to ungodly governments
1 Peter 2: 13 (NASB)
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority.
1 Kings 12: 15 (NASB)
So the king did not listen to the people; because it was a turn of events from the Lord, in order to establish His word which the Lord spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
3. God holds true authority
Romans 13: 1 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
4. The church is called to influence culture
5. The gospel MUST be our priority
Government is temporal,
Souls are eternal
6. Obey God over government
7. Salvation is not achieved by the government.
The world needs the church!
Government restrains,
but it doesn’t redeem
Government rewards,
But it doesn’t restore
Jesus isn’t coming back to take sides…
He’s coming back to take over!
STEP UP & GROW UP // Sunday, October 27, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, October 20, 2024
Step Up and Grow Up
II Corinthians 13: 1 – 14 (ESV)
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them — 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. 5 Examine yourselves, see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong — not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Four Traits of a Growing Christian
1. Accusations need Confirmation
2 Corinthians 13: 1 (ESV)
…Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Deuteronomy 19: 15 (ESV)
A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
1 Timothy 5: 19 (NLT)
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.
We deserve to have our reputations protected from irresponsible or malicious people
2. Truth necessitates Conversation
2 Corinthains 13: 2 (ESV)
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them.
Truth can be hard to hear
Hard words are instrumental, indispensable, and valuable to help us mature as Christians.
God uses hard words of rebuke to lead us to repentance.
The Goal of Confrontation:
Return to godliness
Matthew 18: 20 (ESV)
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
3. Salvation MUST be tested
2 Corinthians 13: 5 (ESV)
Examine yourselves, see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Paul indicates that it is possible for someone to THINK they’re a Christian …on their way to heaven…
when they’re not.
Matthew 7: 21 – 23 (NLT)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
4. Relationships must be nourished.
2 Corinthians 13: 11 & 12 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR pt 1 // Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, October 13, 2024
Love Your Neighbor
(Picture of Yard Sign)
The link between Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah are strengthened by the support of the Venezuelan dictatorship, which responds to the influence of Cuba and a superior one from Russia.
There are growing concerns that these connections are transforming from criminal activities to acts of urban terrorism.
Biblical Insights on Government
1. Government is intended for our good.
Romans 13: 1 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13: 2 (ESV)
Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed,
and those who resist will incur judgment.
Government is intended to incentivize good conduct and to restrain evil.
Romans 13: 3 (ESV)
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.
Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority?
Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
Government officials are to be servants of God.
Romans 13: 4 (ESV)
for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Because God instituted government for our benefit and to restrain evil, we should:
a. Be good citizens
Romans 13: 5 (ESV)
Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath
but also for the sake of conscience.
b. Pay our taxes
Romans 13: 6 & 7 (ESV)
For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
2. Government is inherently flawed because of sinful humanity
Government will reflect the quality fo the people employed and empowered with it.
Acts 16: 36 - 40 (ESV)
…the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”
38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Christians cannot retreat from their engagement with civil authorities.
3. Periodically, government falls under demonic powers.
Revelations 13: 5 – 7 (NLT)
Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling — that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.
How?
Voting in the wrong people
Naked Communist
(points from book)
15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17. Get control of the schools… Soften the curriculum… Get control of teachers’ associations.
20. Infiltrate the press.
21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.
23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. “Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art.”
24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them “censorship” and a violation of free speech and free press.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as “normal, natural, healthy.”
27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with “social” religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a “religious crutch.”
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of “separation of church and state.”
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers…
31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history…
THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD pt 2 // Sunday, October 6, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, October 6, 2024
Romans 12: 1 & 2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 (NKJV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
God’s will is for us to be:
La voluntad de Dios es que seamos:
1. Joyful - Alegre
2. Prayerful - Oración
3. Thankful - Agradecido
Micah 6: 8 (NKJV)
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
1. Justly - Justamente
Love Your Neighbor Sign
Mathew 7: 12 (NLT)
Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
2. Mercy - Misericordia
Luke 6: 36 – 38 (NKJV)
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
3. Walk humbly –
Camina humildemente
Proverbs 16: 18 (ESV)
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4: 6 – 10 (NKJV)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD // Sunday, September 29, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, September 29, 2024
Romans 12: 1 & 2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Thessalonians 5: 14 & 15 (NKJV)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 (NKJV)
16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1. Rejoice always –
Alegrarse siempre
1 Thessalonians 1: 6 & 7 (ESV)
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 2: 2 (ESV)
….though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
James 1: 2 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
1 Peter 1: 6 & 7 (ESV)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2. Pray without ceasing –
Reza sin cesar
Romans 12: 12 (ESV)
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Philippians 4: 6 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Colossians 4: 2 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Ephesians 6: 18 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
3. In everything give thanks –
En todo da gracias
1 Thessalonians 4: 1 (NLT)
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.
…this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
FRUIT OF THE FLESH VII- What are the Fruits of the Flesh? // Sunday, September 8, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, September 8, 2024
Fruit of the Flesh VII
What are the Fruits of the Flesh?
We have two natures:
1. Sinful nature
2. Spirit (Holy Spirit) nature
A continuous, life-long war between our flesh and the Spirit.
Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Sins of Intemperance
13. Drunkenness – methē
Impairing one’s mental or physical control through alcohol consumption.
1 Corinthians 8: 9 - 13 (NLT)
But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you —with your “superior knowledge” — eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live — for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
1 Corinthians 8: 1, 12, 19, 22 (NLT)
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 12But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
22 …I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
14. Orgies – kōmos
Excessive feasting and revelry; a party spirit involving alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.
Galatians 5: 21 (NLT)
… and other sins like these.
FRUIT OF THE FLESH VI- What are the Fruits of the Flesh? // Sunday, August 25, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Fruit of the Flesh VI
What are the Fruits of the Flesh?
We have two natures:
1. Sinful nature
2. Spirit (Holy Spirit) nature
A continuous, life-long war between our flesh and the Spirit.
Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Sins of Animosity
10. Dissentions – dichostasia
Introducing divisive teachings not supported by Scripture.
Romans 16: 17 & 18 (NLT)
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
Galatians 5: 13 - 15 (NLT)
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
11. Factions – hairesis = Heresy
Division within the congregation into selfish groups or cliques that destroy church unity.
1 Corinthians 11: 17 - 19 (NLT)
…I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. 18 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. 19 But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized!
12. Envy – phthonos
Resentful dislike of another person who has something that one desires.
FRUIT OF THE FLESH part 5: What Are the Fruits of the Flesh? // Sunday, 18, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, August 18, 2024
Fruit of the Flesh V
What are the Fruits of the Flesh?
We have two natures:
1. Sinful nature
2. Spirit (Holy Spirit) nature
A continuous, life-long war between our flesh and the Spirit.
Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
8. Fits of Rage – thumos
Explosive anger that flames into violent words or deeds.
Colossians 3: 8 (NLT)
…now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander,
and dirty language.
9. Selfish ambition – eritheia
Seeking power
2 Corinthians 12: 19 & 20 (NLT)
…we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.
Philippians 1: 15 - 17 (NLT)
It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
Matthew 20: 28 (NLT)
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
FRUIT OF THE FLESH part 4: What Are the Fruits of the Flesh? // Sunday, August 11, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, August 11, 2024
Fruit of the Flesh IV
What are the Fruits of the Flesh?
We have two natures:
1. Sinful nature
2. Spirit (Holy Spirit) nature
A continuous, life-long war between our flesh and the Spirit.
Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT)
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Sins of Animosity
5. Hatred / Hostility – echthra
The breakdown of interpersonal relationships.
Intense, hostile intentions and acts.
Extreme dislike or enmity
Romans 8: 7 (NLT)
For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.
6. Discord / Quarreling – eris
Quarreling, antagonism; a struggle for superiority.
Romans 1: (NLT)
But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.
1 Corinthians 11: 10 – 12 (NLT)
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
Philippians 1: 15 (NLT)
It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.
7. Jealousy – zēlos
Resentfulness, envious of another’s success
Romans 13: 13 (NLT)
Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
1 Corinthians 3: 3 (NLT)
For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?
DO NOT DESPAIR // Sunday, July 28, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday — July 28, 2022
Do Not Despair
Where do we find encouragement
The Word
Matthew 5: 13 – 16 (NLT)
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world —like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
John 1: 4 & 5 (NLT)
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
2 Corinthians 5: 7 (ESV)
…we walk by faith, not by sight.
Romans 13: 11 & 12 (NLT)
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Psalm 30: 5 (NLT)
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
1 John 2: 7 & 8 (NLT)
Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment — to love one another — is the same message you heard before. 8 Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.
We find Encouragement in…
1. The Word
2. History
Christianity is responsible for tremendous social transformation.
Equality in purity standards
Gladiatorial events
Compassion for poor and outcast
William Carey
Abolition
Welsh Revival
Roe v Wade
Roma Learning to Fly
Healthy people grow!
Growing people change!
Changed people, change people!