Friday, December 28, 2018

1 John 2:12-14


1 John 2:12-14
Without Written Revelation Our Faith is Meaningless

1Jn 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 
1Jn 2:13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 
1Jn 2:14  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 

  1. Scripture Reveals to the Christian that His Sins are Forgiven in Christ Alone. – vs. 12*
    1. John words tell us clearly, that it is only in the blood of Christ that we find remission of sins.
                                                               i.      Acts 4:12 
                                                             ii.      Acts 10:43 
                                                            iii.      Romans 4:1-6 
  1. Scripture Affirms the Faith of Those Who are Mature in Christ. – vs. 13a*
    1. 1 Timothy 5:17 
  2. Scriptures Enables the Capable Christian to Overcome the Devil. – vs. 13b*
    1. Proverbs 20:29 
    2. 1 Peter 5:8-11 
  3. Scripture Allows the New Believer to Understand the True Nature of God. – vs. 13c*
    1. John 14:9-14 
  4. The Scripture, that John has Written in the Past (His Gospel), Teaches Both the Mature and Immature Believer that His Sol Source of Strength is in the Word of God Abiding in Him. – vs. 14*
    1. If the Church wants victory both then and now our only hope is the written revelation recorded in the Bible by the apostles and prophets.
    2. John is making it clear that when he is referring to light and darkness he is not referring to a vague sense of individual truth but the True Truth (the Bible) that rightly reveals to us the Word (Jesus Christ).
                                                               i.      1 Peter 1:18-25 

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Sunday Special Ep 29: Pastor John MacArthur

I have to say that his is John MacArthur at his best. This interview is referenced in the last interview I posted demonstrating Ben's respect for John. This is a fantastic watch!



Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro: Religion, Trans Activism, and Censorship

I can't say that I agree with everything that is said here but the fundamental premise of trust and searching for truth is a tenant of Christianity.



Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.





Thursday, December 20, 2018

A Christmas Sermon: John 1:1-14


John 1:1-14
And We Beheld His Glory

Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 
Joh 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God. 
Joh 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 
Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 
Joh 1:5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 
Joh 1:6  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 
Joh 1:7  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 
Joh 1:8  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 
Joh 1:9  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 
Joh 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 
Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 
Joh 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 
Joh 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 
Joh 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 
  
  1. In the Beginning was the Word and the Word Was God. – vs. 1-3
    1. Luke 2:8-14 
    2. Romans 1:1-4 
  2. The Word is the Light of the World. – vs. 4-5
    1. Isaiah 42:1-6 
  3. John the Baptist was not the Word and the True Light of the World. – vs. 6-8
  4. Even Though the Word is the Creator of the World; the World Will Still Reject Him. – vs. 9-11
    1. Isaiah 53:2-6 
  5. They that Receive the Word are Given the Right to be Called the Sons of God. – vs. 12
    1. Romans 8:14-17 
  6. Those that are Born Again by Receiving the Word are not Born Again by Their Own Will but by the Will of God. – vs. 13
    1. James 1:18 
    2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 
  7. The Word was Made Flesh and Dwelt Among Us and We Beheld His Glory. – vs. 14
    1. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

1 John 2:7-11


1 John 2:7-11
The New Commandment of Love is Light

1Jn 2:7  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 
1Jn 2:8  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 
1Jn 2:9  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 
1Jn 2:10  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 
1Jn 2:11  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 
  
  1. The New Commandment of Love is Nothing New but Came into the World with the First Commandment that God Gave at the Beginning of Time: “Let There Be Light.” – vs. 7
    1. The commandment of God to give light in the darkness is an expression of His love. Darkness is symbolic of chaos and hate and light is symbolic of order and love. Just like God of His own divine will sent light into the world, He also gave light to our world personal world of chaos.
                                                               i.      Genesis 1:1-3 
b.      The Commandment that John is giving us can be traced all throughout the whole Bible. From the Mosaic Law to the Law of Christ.
                                                               i.      Leviticus 19:18 
                                                             ii.      Leviticus 19:34 
                                                            iii.      Matthew 5:43-44 
                                                           iv.      Matthew 22:35-40 
                                                             v.      Galatians 5:13-14 
  1. Only in Christ Can We Find The Hope to Live the New Commandment. – vs. 8
    1. Ephesians 2:1-5 
  2. It is Impossible to Hate Your Brother in Christ and Love the Christ Who Saved Him. – vs. 9
    1. 1 Corinthians 13:1 
  3. If You are Secure in Christ Like it Says in Verse 8 Then You Will be Compelled to Love your Brother and Will be Eternally Secure in Jesus. – vs. 10
    1. The truth is simple; those that love Christ will love His people (the Church). The greatest evidence of saving faith is a desire to worship with God’s people.
                                                               i.      1 John 3:14-19 
  1. Someone that Claims to Be of God, Yet Justifies the Evil of Hating His Brother in Christ is not of the Light but is Blinded to Truth by the Darkness in His Heart. – vs. 11
    1. 2 Timothy 3:1-9



Dr Ravi Zacharias Who is God ( October 17, 2018 )

Dr. Zacharias is always inspiring.



The Canonical Model for the Text of the New Testament

I think Robert Truelove is starting an incredible movement. His honest searching for truth has put him way ahead of both sides of this debate. Thank you for sharing this Pastor Truelove. We will be looking forward to the book that may be coming.



Friday, December 7, 2018

1 John 2:3-6


1 John 2:3-6
How Do You Know that You are Saved?

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 
1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 
1Jn 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 

  1. If You Treasure the Commandments of Christ Then You Will Obey Him and that Obedience is Evidence of True Faith. – vs. 3*
a.       What are the commands of Christ?
                                                               i.      Repent
1.      Matthew 4:17 
                                                             ii.      Be Born Again
1.      John 3:3-7 
                                                            iii.      Love One Another
1.      John 15:12-14 
  1. A Person that Does not Treasure the Word of God Will Not Obey it and the Fruit of His Love For the World Will Quickly Become Evident to All. – vs. 4*
a.       John 10:26-30 
  1. A Person that Treasures the Word of Christ Is a New Creature, Recreated to Good Works. Good Works Do Not Save You, But They are the Evidence of Saving Faith. – vs. 5*
a.       John 14:23-26 
  1. Those Who Abide in Christ are Compelled By His Power to Live as Christ Lived. – vs. 6*
a.       Philippians 2:12-13 
b.      Philippians 1:6
c.       Hebrews 13:20-21 

Sunday, December 2, 2018

An Evangelical Assessment of Barth - Michael Reeves

I have great respect for Barth and the valiant stand he took against Nazism, and I still believe that there is much to respect in the man. Unfortunately, he did have some serious error, that was based on some false assumptions. I found this assessment to be honest, helpful and interesting. Well done Dr. Reeves.



Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Four Biggest Theological Mistakes That Evangelicals Are Making Today...

I found this lecture by Dr. Michael Reeves particularly helpful. I think because he is so well read in history it gives him a special ability to open up the Scriptures in a profound way.



Thursday, November 22, 2018

1 John 2:1-2


1 John 2:1-2
We Have an Advocate with the Father: Jesus Christ the Righteous

1Jn 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 
1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world

  1. John’s Desire is that We Experience True Freedom in Christ, No Longer Bound by Sin. – vs. 1a*
    1. Romans 6:1-9 
  2. If You Fall into Sin Take Comfort You Have An Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. – vs. 1b*
    1. Zechariah 3:1-7 
    2. John 14:15-17 
  3. Jesus Has Made Satisfactory Payment for Our Sins. – vs. 2a*
    1. Hebrews 9:11-14 
  4. Jesus Has Made Satisfactory Payment for the Sins of All Men. – vs. 2b*
    1. Jesus made sufficient payment for the atonement of all men, but this does not mean that it is efficient to save all from sin. Many who have not been granted saving faith will reject the saving grace of God and be damned to an eternal hell.
                                                               i.      Common Grace
1.      Matthew 5:45 
                                                             ii.      Special or Saving Grace
                                          1.      Ephesians 2:1-10 

Friday, November 16, 2018

God Told Me...?

This is a great resource on youtube if you have not seen it. They are very short videos that are really to the point and seem to be on target almost all the time. Please take a few minutes and watch a couple.





Steven Lawson: Cut to the Heart: Awakening in Scripture

I listened to this message yesterday and then shared it with my trustee board in the evening meeting. I really appreciate Steven Lawson and his ability to uphold our greatest resource the Word of God.



Sermon Recordings

At the moment all that Bethany Church has is audio recordings. If you wish to follow along with the sermon series that way you can find them on our church website. Thank you all again for following along and staying up with my project here on this blog. God bless you and have a great day.

1 John 1:8-10


1 John 1:8-10
Christ is Faithful and Just to Forgive Us Our Sins

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 
1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

  1. When a Person Refuses to Take Responsibility for Their Sin this is the Beginning of Self-Deception and the Path to Mental Illness. – vs. 8a*
    1. A great disconnect from the reality of truth, comes from an unwillingness to admit to our wrong doing.
                                                               i.      Romans 3:10-18 
  1. When a Person Refuses to Take Responsibility for Their Sin They are Self Deceived and have no Ability to Rightly Understand Truth. – vs. 8b*
    1. Truth is best understood by the humble.
                                                               i.      James 4:6 
  1. When a Person Refuses to Take Responsibility for Their Sin They Make Christ a Liar. – vs. 10a*
    1. 2 John 1:7-11 
  2. When a Person Refuses to Take Responsibility for their Sin the Logos (An Honest Search for Truth) is not in Them. – vs. 10b*
    1. 1 John 5:10 
  3. When A Person Humbles Themselves and Receives God’s Grace they are Forgiven and Cleansed from Sin. – vs. 9*
    1. You must Confess
                                                               i.      Confession of guilt is the hinge point upon which sanity turns. When we admit the reality of our guilt and turn to the One who has paid the price for our sin we can receive forgiveness for sin.
1.      Psalm 32:5 
2.      Psalm 51:1-4 
    1. Christ is faithful to forgive
                                                               i.      Lamentations 3:22-23 
    1. Christ is just to forgive
                                                               i.      Romans 3:22-28 
    1. Christ cleanses us from not only the penalty of sin but also its power.
                                                               i.      1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Thursday, November 8, 2018

1 John 1:5-7


1 John 1:5-7
God is Light

1Jn 1:5  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 
1Jn 1:6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 
1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

  1. God is Light and Has Nothing to Do with Darkness. – vs. 5
    1. John uses a double negative to emphasize the reality that God has nothing to do with evil in any way.
                                                               i.      Psalm 27:1
                                                             ii.      Romans 8:1-11 
                                                            iii.      James 2:18-20 
  1. If Someone Claims to Walk with God but Walks in Darkness He is a Liar. – vs. 6
    1. John is not talking about the Christian that is free in Christ yet still struggles with his old nature (He deals with that in the next passage). Instead, John is speaking about a fraud, someone that claims to be of God but yet is living in sin and is not cleansed by the blood of Christ.
                                                               i.      1 John 2:1-6 
                                                             ii.      Psalm 5:1-6 
  1. The Blood of Jesus Christ Frees us to Walk in the Light. – vs. 7
    1. This statement is true no matter the order. Those that walk in light and love others are cleansed by the blood of Christ and those that are cleansed walk in light.
                                                               i.      Psalm 56:10-13 

Monday, November 5, 2018

I John 1:1-4


I John 1:1-4
The Evidence of Life

1Jn 1:1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 
1Jn 1:2  (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 
1Jn 1:3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 
1Jn 1:4  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 

  1. Christ is not a Created Being. – vs. 1a*
    1. John 1:1-5 
    2. Revelation 1:5-8 
  2. Christ Even Now Has a Human Nature Just Like Yours and Mine. – vs. 1b*
    1. Hebrews 2:9-18 
  3. Christ is the Word of Life. – vs. 1c*
    1. 1 John 5:6-7 
    2. John 1:14 
  4. Christ, Who is One in Nature with the Father, was Revealed by the Apostles. The Apostles have Faithfully Testified to Us through the Word. – vs. 2*
    1. 1 Timothy 3:16 
    2. Jude 1:24-25 
  5. Through the Faithful Witness of the Apostles (The Bible) We Have Fellowship with Them. – vs. 3a*
    1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 
  6. Through Fellowship with the Apostles (the Bible), We Have Fellowship with the Father and the Son – vs. 3b*
    1. Galatians 3:1 
  7. The Written Word of God Reveals Christ and Christ Gives us Life Abundant. – vs. 4*
    1. John 15:9-13 

Thursday, November 1, 2018

1 John

I am thinking I would like to start preaching at our new church in Kansas in first letter of John. It seems daunting but I would like the challenge. Pray for me as I prepare to tackle this wonderful book. It is an incredibly profound book yet the truths are so simple. So you can look forward to that coming soon.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Serving in a New Church: Bethany Church of Lincoln County


Some big changes. I am excited to announce that I have accepted a pastorate in Bethany Church of Lincoln County Kansas. While I am sad to say good bye to the precious fellowship here in Stonyford I am looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. My first Sunday of service there will be November 4th. Darleen and I will continue to remain with Village Missions but will be serving in a new church and district. Thank you for your prayers for us as we make this change.

Monday, October 1, 2018

1 Peter 1:10-19


1 Peter 1:10-19
You are Redeemed with the Precious Blood of the Lamb

1Pe 1:10  Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 
1Pe 1:11  Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 
1Pe 1:12  Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 
1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 
1Pe 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 
1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 
1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 
1Pe 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 
1Pe 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 
1Pe 1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 

  1. The Old Testament Saints would have Loved to have the Gospel You have been Given. – vs. 10-12*
    1. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 
  2. Prepare Your Minds and Hearts for the Fight that God Has Called You to Endure. – vs. 13*
    1. Job 38:3 
    2. Job 40:7 
    3. Ephesians 6:14 
    4. 1 Peter 5:8-11   
  3. Be Obedient Unto Christ. – vs. 14*
    1. Romans 6:1-4 
  4. Be Holy as the God is Holy. – vs. 15-16*
    1. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 
  5. Call on the Father in Your Time of Need and He will Sustain you through the Hard Times. – vs. 17*
    1. Matthew 7:7-11 
  6. You Salvation is Not Based on Anything of this World, But is Based in the Precious Blood of Christ. – vs. 18-19*
    1. 1 Peter 3:18 
    2. Acts 20:28 



Saturday, September 29, 2018

Pastor Kevin Weston preaches from I Peter 1:3-5

Here is the latest from 1 Peter. Many were encouraged by the beautiful words of Peter.





The Life of Samson


This was for a men's retreat that I am going to do soon. A great study by the way. Samson was a man of faith. He is often remembered for his failures (which he did have) but God remembered him as a man of faith. His life should be both a caution and an inspiration to us.

The Life of Samson
The Pitfalls of His Life

  1. Samson’s Commission
    1. He was chosen before his birth to be a savior for God’s people
                                                               i.      Christ appeared to make the announcement of his birth to his parents.
1.      Judges 13:20-22 
    1. You have been chosen by God to be a demonstration of God’s power.
                                                               i.      1 Peter 1:2-3 
    1. He was given the power of the Holy Spirit.
                                                               i.      Judges 13:24-25 
    1. You have been given the power of the Holy Spirit.
                                                               i.      John 15:26-27  
    1. He was given a great enemy to fight.
                                                               i.      Judges 14:3-4 
    1. You have been given a great enemy to fight
                                                               i.      2 Corinthians 10:3-5 
  1. Samson’s Courage
    1. Samson’s Philistine wife is taken from him and given to the best man at the wedding.
                                                               i.      Judges 14:20 
    1. Samson retaliates by burning the Philistine Fields, and the Philistines respond by burning his father-in-law and wife with fire
                                                               i.      Judges 15:6 
    1. Samson comes back and slaughters the people responsible for the murder of his family.
    2. He is then pursued by the Philistine Army that sends the men of Judah to bind him.
    3. Samson by the power of the Holy Spirit slaughters a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey
                                                               i.      Judges 15:14-16 
    1. Samson is delivered by the miraculous water that is provided by God for him. God’s help is his true source of power.
                                                               i.      Judges 15:17-19 
    1. Samson gives the Israelites 20 years of freedom from the Philistine oppressors.
                                                               i.      Judges 15:20 
  1. Samson’s Compromise
    1. Samson’s faith changed from trusting in God to deliver him, to an over confidence in his abilities. His greatest compromise was placing his trust in himself rather than in God.
                                                               i.      This caused him to fall into immorality.
1.      Judges 16:1-3 
                                                             ii.      His immorality caused him trust in a deceptive woman.
1.      Judges 16:4-5 
                                                            iii.      His trust in an immoral woman led him to be taken captive by his greatest enemy.
1.      Judges 16:20-21 
                                                           iv.      Because of his great compromise he was unaware that the power of God had left his life.
1.      Judges 16:20 
  1. Samson’s Contrition
    1. Samson is given one last chance to give his life for his people.
                                                               i.      Judges 16:27-30 
    1. Samson is honored in the New Testament as a man of faith
                                                               i.      Hebrews 11:32-40