Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

2 Timothy 3:16&17 "16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." All Scriptures is God breathed! Use it. Be corrected by the word of God. Pray to Jesus. Yes, we live in the LAST DAYS. We are at the entrance to heaven and Jesus's rule over all creation for all eternity. What a glorious future we have in store! Until then, we will be persecuted. Paul warns that suffering and persecution will get WORSE and WORSE. Paul described how horrible people will be "in the LAST DAYS." Christians are called to stand apart from the secular humanism that people fall into by default. While the “man of God” is not a job we are hired to do. It is an ideal all Christians strive for. And, “good works” are not tasks from a to-do list. They are the actions the Holy Ghost motivates us into. Often generous ...

2 Timothy 3:14&15 "14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." We are living in the LAST DAYS. Which started when Jesus ascended to heaven and will end when He returns! When will that be? Paul didn't know. You and I don't know. Paul described what people will be like "in the last days" in his letter to Timothy. And, Paul warns that suffering and persecution will get WORSE and WORSE. We are waiting for God to return and make things right. Until then, we will be persecuted. Read how Jesus lived. Read how He died and was resurrected. Read the Holy Bible as your life depends upon it. Because your eternal life does... "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast l...

2 Timothy 3:12&13 "12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." NO ONE KNOWS. ONLY GOD KNOWS. The LAST DAYS started when Jesus ascended to heaven and will end when He returns! When will that be? Paul didn't know. You and I don't know. Paul believed he was living "in the last days." We believe we are living "in the last days." And, we are all correct. Paul described what people will be like "in the last days" in his letter to Timothy. We return to Paul's letter for more cautionary warnings. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax WORSE and WORSE, deceiving, and being deceived." We might have good things and good times, but in this life we will experience suffering. You will do the right things, and you will be punished for it. Do ...

Matthew 24:35&36 "35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." We are reading from Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul is describing what people will be like "in the last days." They "shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" It's a list that accurately characterizes people. It's amazing that Paul had these insights 2000 years ago, AND they are STILL true today! People have not changed!  Paul believed he was living "in the last days." We believe we are living "in the last days." And, we are a...

2 Timothy 3:3-5 "3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." In this part of the letter to Timothy, Paul is describing what people will be like "in the last days." They "shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," and the list continues in today's verses. It's a list that accurately characterizes people. It's amazing that Paul had these insights 2000 years ago, AND they are STILL true today! People have not changed! The persecution of Christians was terrible. Roman leaders were burning them alive, sending them to their death in the Coloseum and other cruel and unusual punishments. And, in our world today, Christians are persecuted and murdere...

2 Timothy 3:1&2 "1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," We have been reading in the book of Revelation about THE END. We read about Satan being released from prison for 1000 years. How it will look like he is winning, BUT God’s plan includes the destruction of Satan and his work. It's no mystery what the Holy Bible communicates to us. Jesus WINS and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. All things will be new and improved! Including you and me! So, THE END will not be "the end." Life will go on eternally with GOD! This week we will continue to study the "LAST days." Perilous times, as we read in Second Timothy, chapter three. This is the LAST letter the Apostle Paul wrote. He wanted to prepare Timothy for the end times. They thought Jesus would return before the Apostle John died. Thei...

Revelation 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." FOR EVER AND EVER. THE END. Satan had rallied and was a terrifying affliction on our world. It looked like Satan and his followers were winning. But, God had other plans. From the very beginning, God’s plan in Christ included the destruction of Satan’s work. Jesus WINS! For a little while, people can believe that Satan is the winning side. We might even try to beat Satan and we might lose. We are vulnerable on our OWN, but with Jesus we can be strong. It's no mystery what the Holy Bible communicates to us. Jesus WINS and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. All things will be new and improved! Including you and me! Amen!

Revelation 20:9 "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." "...together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." Satan will rally and become a terrifying affliction in our world. It will look like Satan and his followers are growing and even winning. Even when Satan is at his worst, his evil actions can ultimately bring about God’s holy plan! From the very beginning, God’s plan in Christ included the destruction of Satan’s work. Jesus WINS! In today's verse we glimpse God's victory, "...and FIRE came down from God out of heaven, and DEVOURED them." And, just like that, they are gone! It may or may not be "FIRE," literally. What is clearly communicated here is that their destruction would be sudden, certain, and complete. This is all the enemies of God being swept away. Once and for all. ...

Revelation 20:8 "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." At this point, it will be necessary in certain parts of the world for an outbreak of wickedness. So, Satan will be released from his prison. Satan rallies and becomes a terrifying affliction in our world. It will look like Satan and his followers are growing and maybe even winning. With numbers like "sand of the sea." Even when Satan is at his worst, his evil actions can ultimately bring about God’s holy plan! From the very beginning, God’s plan in Christ included the destruction of Satan’s work. Jesus WINS!

Revelation 20:7 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison," We are in the Book of Revelation. The important thing we can know is that Satan wants to defeat God and the godly. It's the ultimate battle and Satan is defeated. Jesus WINS! At this point, it will be necessary in certain parts of the world for an outbreak of wickedness. So, Satan will be released from his prison. Even in his fallen condition, Satan’s evil actions can ultimately bring about God’s holy plan! From the very beginning, God’s plan in Christ included the destruction of Satan’s work. We cannot know why God created Satan, knowing he would rebel. It’s tempting to assume that things would be “better” if Satan had never been created or to declare that God should have done differently. But such assumptions and declarations are unwise. In fact, to claim we know better than God how to run the universe is to fall into the devil’s own sin of promoting himself above the Mos...

Revelation 20:3 "And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." We are in the Book of Revelation. We are not going to get bogged down in details we cannot know what they mean. The important thing we can know is that Satan wants to defeat God and the godly. It's the ultimate battle and Satan is defeated, Jesus WINS! From Got Questions .org: "In trying to understand why God created Satan, knowing he would rebel, we should also consider the following facts: 1) Lucifer had a good and perfect purpose before his fall. Lucifer’s rebellion does not change God’s original intent from something good to something bad. 2) God’s sovereignty extends to Satan, even in his fallen condition. God is able to use Satan’s evil actions to ultimately bring about God’s holy plan (see 1 Timothy 1:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:5)....

Revelation 20:1&2 "1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," To learn about the high stakes of believing in the one true God, we have turned to the Book of Revelation. A book we can get bogged down in all these details. What does "a thousand years" mean? What about Gog and Magog? We can make up the meaning, but we don't really know. Only GOD really knows. The important things we can know is that Satan wants to defeat God and the godly. It's the ultimate battle. Who wins? Satan is defeated. In the final showdown, Jesus WINS! Between now and then we need to wear the "whole armour of God, that ye may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND." Oppose Satan's schemes, resist his temptations and give battle against his power and evil way...

Ephesians 6:12&13 "12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Lois, Eunice, Timothy and Paul are inspirational examples of what a Christian can be! We read about them to learn all we can. By their examples, we see that our most important mission field is the one closest to us; our children. Don't leave it up to the child. The stakes are very high with eternal consequences.  The Christian life will be more challenging. As Paul describes in Second Timothy, where we were reading. We need to be TEACHERS, PREACHERS and APOSTLES, advocating for God everywhere and all the time. Today we turn to another letter written by Paul. This one for the Ephesians. Here he poetically explains the risks and signific...

2 Timothy 1:10&11 "10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." We are reading this letter from Paul to Timothy to gain insights and instructions about our own beliefs. We are inspired by Lois and Eunice's contribution to making Timothy the man he became, the first bishop of Ephesus. Appreciate that, as Lois and Eunice brought up Timothy, the Church had not formed. They just helped him be a believer. Not knowing who he would become! Our most important mission field is the one closest to us; our children. Don't leave it up to the child. The stakes are very high with eternal consequences. Yes, life as a Christian will be more challenging. As Paul put it, "BE THOU PARTAKER of the afflictions of the gospel..." He says it's "an HOLY CALLING,...

2 Timothy 1:8&9 "8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," Lois and Eunice's contribution to the early Church is every bit as important as Paul's! Maybe MORE IMPORTANT! They GREATLY influenced Timothy and made the foundation that the Apostles built upon to make Timothy the first bishop of Ephesus. Timothy's "UNFEIGNED FAITH" was praised by Paul. We can all take encouragement from Paul’s words and inspiration from Lois and Eunice's actions! Don't leave it up to the child. The stakes are very high with eternal consequences. Paul puts his weight on the scales in today's verses. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony...

2 Timothy 1:6&7 "6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Paul knew he could trust Timothy because of his family traditions. Paul met Lois and Eunice, Timothy's grandmother and mother. Paul experienced their "UNFEIGNED FAITH." Paul experienced it in Timothy too. We think of Paul's time as a man's world. A "patriarchal society," we say with disgust. But, we clearly read here that the women GREATLY influenced Timothy. Lois and Eunice's contribution to the early Church is every bit as important as Paul's! Maybe MORE IMPORTANT! Throughout the generations, women like Lois and Eunice have nurtured the beliefs and practices of the children they raise. Almost everybody in church was guided there by their mothers or other women. Church attendance is usually about two-...

2 Timothy 1:5 "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." We are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. Jesus gave us the Great Commission to spread the Gospel message to the whole world! Paul did his best, traveling thousands of miles on foot. AND then, when he is incarcerated by the Romans, he sends out letters. Like this one for Timothy. They had a close relationship. Paul thought of Timothy as his son. The Old Testament details the history of belief in God from creation forward. All the Jewish traditions and events are foreshadowing the coming Messiah. Paul, being a well-educated and devout Jew, knew these details better than anyone. Here, at the end of his life, Paul can clearly see the devotion and love that is passed down as a sacred family tradition. And, now these responsibilities are being transferred into the hands of Timothy. Paul...

2 Timothy 1:3&4 "3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;" We are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. Jesus told His Disciples to spread the Gospel message in their city - Jerusalem, their state- Judaea, their neighboring country - Samaria, and the rest of the world! The early Church experienced persecution that motivated early Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Yesterday we turned to another letter written by Paul as he was locked up in a Roman prison. He knew he would be executed soon and wrote to his trusted protégé, Timothy. They had a close relationship. Paul thought of Timothy as his son. It might be obvious, but bares exploration, belief did not start with Paul. Belief goes back even before Jesus ...

2 Timothy 1:1&2 "1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." This past week we read about God's plan. We are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. When we do not glorify God and enjoy God, we are at odds with God. Jesus told His Disciples to spread the Gospel message in their city - Jerusalem, their state- Judaea, their neighboring country - Samaria, and the rest of the world! The early Church experienced persecution that motivated early Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Then we read the results of Philip the Evangelist's energetic preaching, performing miracles and baptizing hundreds, if not thousands of people! "...there was GREAT JOY in that city." Today we turn to another letter written by Paul as he...

Acts 1:8 "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." Here Jesus is speaking to His Disciples. Telling them to spread the Gospel message in their city- Jerusalem, their state- Judaea, their neighboring country- Samaria, and the rest of the world! This past week we studied how the persecution motivated early Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Then we read the results of Philip the Evangelist's energetic preaching, performing miracles and baptizing hundreds, if not thousands of people! "...there was GREAT JOY in that city." This is God's plan. We are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. When we do not glorify God and to enjoy God, we are at odds with God. God will need to do whatever it takes to get us back on track. This is true ...

Acts 8:7&8 "7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city." Stephen, the first martyr, was killed by the Jewish leadership. Devout Christians mourned him and have been mourning martyrs ever since. (Nearly 5 thousand last year alone.) This persecution motivated Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Today's verses we read the results of Philip the Evangelist's energetic preaching, performing miracles and baptizing hundreds, if not thousands of people! "...there was GREAT JOY in that city." Something we don't talk about enough, we are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. When we do not glorify God and to enjoy God, we are at odds with God. God will need to do whatever it takes to get us back on track. This is true for us individually a...

Acts 8:5&6 "5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did." Stephen, the first martyr, was killed by the Jewish leadership. Stephen went to be with our Lord and Savior. Devout Christians mourned him and have been mourning martyrs ever since. (Nearly 5 thousand last year alone.) The silver lining to this very dark cloud, persecution motivated Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Today's verses are our first example, "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did." The man mentioned here is Philip the Evangelist. He was one of the Seven chosen to care for the poor of the Christian community i...

Acts 8:2-4 "2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Saul, who becomes Paul, was at the very least an accomplice when Stephen, the first martyr, was killed. In today's verses we read that Saul "made havock." Stephen went to be with our Lord and Savior. Devout Christians mourned him and have been mourning martyrs ever since. (Nearly 5 thousand last year alone.) The silver lining to this very dark cloud... "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Persecution motivated Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. When we move, we take many things with us. Clothes, toothbrush, pillows, sheets, blankets, food, and more! W...

Acts 8:1 "And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Saul, who becomes Paul, was at the very least an accomplice when Stephen, the first martyr, was killed. As we read in today's verse, "there was a great persecution against the church..." The Jewish leadership and the occupation army of the Roman Empire were all out to get Christians. Unfortunately, things have not changed. This year, 317 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecution. Last year: 4,998 Christians were murdered for their faith. 14,766 Churches and Christian properties were attacked. And, 4,125 Christians were detained by oppressive authorities. This should not be acceptable to anyone. Our culture likes to champion the health and well-being of individuals. People will sight "human righ...

Acts 7:59&60 "59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Saul who becomes Paul, the author of the Letter to the Romans and many other New Testament books. Paul is an amazing case study! He was at the very least an accomplice when, Stephen, the first martyr was killed.  Unfortunately, persecution of Christians has continued to this day. We can feel sorry for ourselves as Christians in the USA as secular humanism takes over our society, BUT, the rest of the world is even more dangerous for Christians. 317 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecution. Last year: 4,998 Christians were murdered for their faith. 14,766 Churches and Christian properties were attacked. And, 4,125 Christians detained by oppressive authorities. Please take a look for yourself at the The 2024 World...

Acts 7:56-58 "56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." SAUL. Saul who becomes Paul, the author of the Letter to the Romans and many other New Testament books. Paul's writings enrich our knowledge and experience of our Lord and Savior. Even his writings from prison are inspirational and encouraging. Paul is an amazing case study! Here, in the seventh chapter of Acts, they have arrested a Jesus-follower named Stephen for speaking against the temple, Moses, and the Law. Most of the chapter is Stephen's defense. His arguments don't advance his own innocence as much as convict the Jews of their shortcomings. This enraged them and brought their anger to such an excessive leve...

Acts 7:54&55 "54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God," We have been studying the Apostle Paul and his wonderful contributions to our FAITH. Chief among them is the book of Romans. Where Paul teaches about the meaning of the law, the Gospel, sin, punishment, grace, faith, justice, Christ, God, good works, love, hope, and the cross. Paul's writings enrich our knowledge and experience of our Lord and Savior. Even his writings from prison are inspirational and encouraging. Paul is an amazing case study! Paul is all the more amazing because he did NOT start this way. He started out as Saul, a devout, well-educated and zealous Jew. Along with the other leaders of the Jewish community, they were out to crush the growing Christian church. Here, in the seventh chapter of ...

Romans 1:1&2 "1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which He had promised afore by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,)" This week we have studied Paul's amazing writing and what a phenomenal Apostle he was. He helped inspire Lydia to help get the early Church started in her town. Even when writing from his prison cell, Paul was inspirational and encouraging. Paul's healthy confidence was in God's grace and mercy. Paul is experienced in God's provision and leading. As good as the letter to the Philippians is, it's not as good as Paul's letter to the Romans. According to Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, the Book of Romans is a rich source of teaching about what a Christian SHOULD KNOW. Luther wrote about Romans; “comprises briefly the whole Christian and evangelical doctrine and prepares an introduction to the entire Old Testament.” In Romans Paul teaches about the mean...

Philippians 1:5&6 "5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" This remarkable letter was written by Paul while he was incarcerated in Rome. If you didn't know his circumstances, we would have no clue that he is in prison. Paul was led by the Holy Ghost to go against social conventions by talking to women. Turns out Lydia was a GREAT leader in the church. The Holy Ghost opened her heart to Jesus being the Son of God. The two were in the right place at the right time. The church at Philippi grew into a thriving and successful congregation, with bishops and deacons.   In today's verses, Paul's healthy confidence comes through. He admires and respects the people he is writing to, BUT his CONFIDENCE is in God's grace and mercy. Paul is experienced in God's provision and leading. He knew what God allowed him...

Philippians 1:3&4 "3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy," This remarkable letter was written by Paul while he was incarcerated in Rome. Without a doubt Paul is missing his apostolic friends. He used the words “joy” and “rejoice” thirteen times in this short letter. If you didn't know his circumstances, we would have no clue that he is in prison. He has every right to be proud of what was accomplished in Philippi.  Paul went against social conventions by talking to the women there. Turns out Lydia was a GREAT early leader in the church. Her location was fortunate, in this thriving part of the Roman Empire. The Holy Ghost opened her heart to Jesus being the Son of God. The two were in the right place at the right time. The church at Philippi had grown into a thriving and successful congregation, with bishops and deacons. All thanks to the work of the Holy Ghost. 

Philippians 1:1&2 "1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." We were in the book of Acts where Paul and Lydia first meet outside of Philippi. Paul went against social conventions by talking to the women there. Turns out Lydia was a GREAT early leader in the church. Her location was fortunate, in this thriving part of the Roman Empire. Her occupation, "a seller of purple," would have been like owning a Mercedes dealership. She knew all the important people, the rich people, and they would want to know her. She was a Jewish convert and knew the Messianic prophecies. The Holy Ghost opened her heart to Jesus being the Son of God. And, gave her a divine appointment with Paul. The two are together in the right place at the right time. Today we turn to Paul's letter to the Philippians....