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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 2, 2007 10:02:51 GMT 12.75
It is everyones job to make sure that false doctrines do not creep into our churches. If it were just left up to certain individuals, then what would happen if they started believing in something that wasn't right?
You got me there. I guess I didn't make my point clear. If a person is preaching for the wrong reasons, i.e. money or personal gain, wouldn't that be selfish? Besides Paul said that he would spend eternity in hell if his countrymen would be saved. Should I be any different?
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Post by Mars on Jul 2, 2007 13:04:30 GMT 12.75
They end up on courthouse steps performing same sex marriages.
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Post by Toby Benoit on Jul 2, 2007 15:16:45 GMT 12.75
You sure you didn't just give yourself finger cramps with all of that typing Freddie? Another very good sermon. I'm pretty sure I got all of the maet and taters out of this one!
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Post by Paws on Jul 3, 2007 4:25:42 GMT 12.75
Amen! You know that's the hard thing for me in virtually all I do. I really really really like to share what I know, what I think I know and what I know that somebody else knows! I also know that I like to be the "center of attention" for whatever reason. Too often I find myself wonderig if I do things to share or for attention. It must be really tough for a man of God to go the opposite way of the world when the kids want the lastest in-line skates, momma wants and probably deserves a new dress, and the old flivver is on the last leg. Even we folk who find contentment and even joy in "doing it with less" rather than "having all the toys" are tempted. But there is no sin in wealth or an abundance. Even Jesus started out wealthy. There in the midst of a rickety old manger three wealthy men brought to him gifts of significant wealth and thus God provided for the needs of His child. Even the rickety old manger was a gift. That going to hell thing in exchange for the salvation of your friends; ain't how it works Pastor. Paul knew that! Really good sermon!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 3, 2007 9:29:51 GMT 12.75
You sure you didn't just give yourself finger cramps with all of that typing Freddie? Another very good sermon. I'm pretty sure I got all of the maet and taters out of this one! It wasn't too bad concerding that it took over an hour and a half to type all that. But that was with much prayer and thought too. And what is maet? ;D
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 3, 2007 9:32:49 GMT 12.75
I know what you mean there. One of the reasons I resisted the call to preach so long was that I wanted to make sure it wasn't me craving attention, but the Lord wanting me to preach. I finally got the message, and like they say, the rest is history. Very true, but Jesus also said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (a literal rock) than a rich man to enter heaven. Why is that? Take the example of the rich young ruler. He wanted to follow the Lord, and the Lord told him to sell all his goods and follow Him. But he went away sorrowful because he had a lot of possessions. A lot of times, but not all, those with great possessions put them before the Lord. They end up looking at their money or things instead of God. Why do you think the Scriptures say that the love of money is the root of all evil? Yep, and so do I. But Paul loved his fellow man so much that he would have willingly gone to hell for them. That, my friend, is truly showing the love of Christ. Should we do any less? Paul was a man, sure a great, very smart man, but a man just the same as you or me, but he showed the love of Christ in his life. Shouldn't we? Even though I and you know that we can't go to hell for someone else, it is still showing great love to love your fellow man so much that you would take his place in eternal torment.
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Post by Paws on Jul 3, 2007 11:23:21 GMT 12.75
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 8, 2007 23:26:12 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:19, 20 (King James Version)
19. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf; but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
We have been studying the farewell address of Paul to the Roman church for the last several weeks. We have seen his personal farewells, and a charge that he has laid out to them. This charge was to mark them which cause divisions and to withdraw from them. These people did not serve the Lord, but instead their own selfish interests. As we look to our lesson today, please keep these thoughts in mind.
In verse 19 the first thing we see is that Paul says that their obedience is come abroad (or known) unto all men. But what obedience is this? In what way have they obeyed? I believe Paul is referring to the fact that they had accepted Jesus as their Saviour, and was following His commandments, thus obeying the Scriptures. Now, don't get me wrong. The church at Rome had problems, just like any church, but it's membership was doctrinally sound, and was following the Lord. Folks, when we follow what the Lord teaches, in our life and words, we too will be known as being obedient. Paul goes on to state in verse 19 that he is glad on their behalf that they are known as being obedient, but he would have them wise concerning good, and simple concerning evil. What does Paul mean? He just said that their obedience was known far and wide, yet he wants them to be wise? It would seem that if they were obeying the Scriptures, then they were wise. But that isn't always the case. To find the answers, we need first to define what is good and simple concerning evil. Brethren, it is very easy. People try to make it so hard, but in reality it is not. So what is good and simple? The Gospel! And what is the Gospel? It is that Jesus came, died for you and me, and that through simple faith we can spend eternity with Him. Thats it in a nutshell. People have been trying for centuries to make the Gospel something it isn't. They have tried to make it hard, to add things to it, and so forth. So what is Paul saying? He is saying that he wants the church at Rome to be wise in that which is good and simple (the Gospel). Paul also states that he wants them to be simple concerning evil. Now this could get a little confusing so bear with me. The word simple is defined as innocent. Paul wants them to be innocent concerning evil. Who is innocent? A baby or a young child! Paul wants them to be like a young child about evil. In other words, he wants them to not even be around it, so that they don't know what it is. But how are we to do this in a world that is full of evil? I believe we are to surround ourselves with that which is good, meaning fellowship with other believers, immersing ourselves in the Word, and giving ourselves totally unto the Lord. Sure, we have to be in the world, but we are not to be part of the world. We are to be simple concerning evil.
In verse 20 Paul gives the church at Rome hope. Remember, they were undergoing persecution at this time. But Paul states that one day soon, the Lord will bruise Satan under our feet. In other words, folks we win! We will win in the end! The outcome has already been decided! It is just like a race. The winner has already been announced, but the prize hasn't been awarded yet. If you have trusted in Jesus as your Saviour, you win in the end! Brethren, that makes me wanna shout! I know that one day I will be with my Lord and Saviour. Do you?
In conclusion, we have seen today that we should be obedient to the Word, that we should be wise concerning that which is good, that we should be innocent of evil, and that in the end we will overcome all through the Lord. But, you will not overcome unless you have accepted the Lord as your Saviour. Have you? It is very simple. Humble yourself before Him, admit you are a sinner, and trust in Him. Thats it. Have you accepted the Lord as your personal Saviour? If so, then study the Word so that you will be wise concerning that which is good, and innocent of evil.
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Post by Paws on Jul 9, 2007 5:23:04 GMT 12.75
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 15, 2007 22:50:19 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:21-24 (King James Version)
21. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
For the last several weeks we have been looking at Paul's farewell address to the people in the church at Rome. We have seen several people, including Phebe, and Priscilla and Aquilla who were great servants of the Lord. We have seen that we should remove ourselves from those who cause divisions in the church because they serve not the Lord, but their own selves. Today we are going to look at those that were with Paul when he wrote this letter, and how we can relate to at least one of them.
In verse 21 we see the first person Paul mentions that was with him during this time was Timotheus. Now, you all know who this was. It was Timothy, the one to whom the books of 1st and 2nd Timothy was addressed to. Now, Timothy was a young preacher at the time of the writing of this letter and was with Paul at this time. He was learning from Paul about the way he should conduct himself in his service for the Lord. One thing I want you to learn from the fact that Timothy was with Paul is this. It is that preachers need to be preached to also. They have to learn and grow in their spiritual maturity just like those who have not been called to the ministry. Folks, preachers are people too! Just because a man has been called to the ministry doesn't mean that he is perfect! I know of some who think that a preacher should not have fun, shouldn't let his hair down, so to speak, and enjoy life. Just because I have been called to the ministry doesn't mean that I still don't like to have fun. Always remember that a preacher is just a man, who has been called to do a job.
Notice also in verse 21 what Paul says of Timothy. He calls him his workfellow. Now the word workfellow denotes a worker with or companion in labour. It is someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Some one who is willing to get down and dirty in their service for the Lord. Timothy was like this. He was willing to do whatever it took to promote the Lord to others. He was right there with Paul, side-by-side, doing whatever it took. An example of how to see this is of the military. Timothy and Paul were on the front lines, fighting the battles, and the others we will look at were their support. Can we say we are like Timothy, and in the forefront of the battle against Satan?
Others that Paul mentioned in verse 21 were Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Lets look at each of these three individually, then at what Paul says of them. The Lucius mentioned here might have been the same as Lucius of Cyrene mentioned in Acts 13:1. Cyrene was where modern day Shahhat of Libya is today. While this might be the same man, we are not absolutely certain. I am not sure if Lucius was a common name or not. But one thing is certain. This man was a servant of the Lord. More on that later. Jason was probably the same Jason mentioned in Acts 17:5-9. He was originally from Thessalonica. Paul stayed with him while there and preached in the synagogue. Paul made the people there so mad that he had to leave and Jason was taken before the rulers and had to post a bond. Sosipater might have been the same Sospater mentioned in Acts 20:4 who accompanied Paul from Greece into Asia on his return from his third missionary journey. If you will notice, the spelling is close with only an "i" missing from the second. If this was the same man, he was originally from Berea. Now that we have seen who these men were, let's look at what Paul had to say about them. He said that they were his kinsmen. Now, this could have meant that they were of the same nationality, or of the same family. We are not sure. They could have been just Jews who were willing to help in the spread of the Gospel, or they could have been Paul's nephews or cousins or other kinfolk. But one thing is certain. They were there with Paul, suffering the same things Paul went through during this time. They were supporting Paul! No matter what the hardships, they were there giving Paul the support he needed. I know from personal experience what it means to have the support of your family. While some of my family have supported me, and by support I don't mean money, but others have not. My younger brother has been to hear me preach twice the entire time I have been preaching, which is over 4 years. Folks, preachers need your support. It is a job that is heartbreaking to say the least. If a man has been called to the ministry, support him. It only takes a second to send an e-mail to a missionary telling him that you love him and are praying for him. How about sending a missionary a birthday card? How about sending a personal note saying how much you appreciate him? It would mean the world to those who sometimes think that no one cares for them.
In verse 22 we meet Tirtius. Some commentators I read say that this could be Silias. Tirtius is Latin for third and Silias is Greek for third. I don't know but I think that is a stretch. Somebody saw that and jumped to that conclusion. Like I said, I don't know. But I do know one thing. And that is that this man got to be the actual author of the book of Romans. What a blessing! Some say that Paul's handwriting could have been bad, that is why Tirtius got to write this book and that Paul dictated it to him. There is a reference in another book that Paul wrote that says he wrote it with large letters, so this is a possibility. It could have also been because of Paul's failing eyesight. Some have said that this was Paul's thorn in the flesh that he prayed 3 times to have removed. But whatever the case, this man got to be the first person who ever read the book of Romans. Can you think of a blessing that is greater than this? To be the first person who has ever read a portion of God's word? But I want you to also think of another aspect of it. How long do you think it took to write this wonderful book? I don't know, but I figure it took more than one day. This man was willing to put everything on hold just to write down what Paul was preaching. He was willing to lay aside his own personal needs to help this great missionary. Are we willing to do the same?
In verse 23 we see 3 more men mentioned. They are Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. Let's look at these men and see how they helped Paul during this time. There are several Gaius' mentioned in the Bible. There was Gaius of Macedonia who was seized by the people at Ephesus. Gaius of Derbe, accompanied Paul on his return from his third missionary journey, along with Sospater. There was a Gaius mentioned in I Corinthians who was a inhabitant of the city of Corinth and was baptized by Paul. Also, the book of 3rd John was addressed to a Gaius. Now, I don't know if this was all the same man or if Gaius was a common name. But I do know one fact. And that fact is that Gaius was the host of these men and of the church. Folks, Gaius was willing to allow these men to some into his home and live with him, and his family. while they were in the area. Think about this for a moment. We all have daily routines. We all have things we like to do at certain times, like having supper at the same time every day, or even going to bed at the same time. We are creatures of habit. Gaius was willing to allow these men to disrupt his routines so that they might spread the Gospel. I can just imagine the confusion this might have caused. A preacher never knows when he will be called by someone to visit them in the hospital, or to comfort a family that has just lost a loved one. I think Paul and the others were in and out at all hours of the day spreading the Gospel. This must have caused some confusion, especially at meal times. But Gaius was willing to allow this to happen in his home. And not only that, but he opened his home to others so that they might worship the Lord together. Would we be willing to allow our home to be the home away from home for a missionary? The next man we see is Erastus. He went with Paul to Ephesus, then was sent, along with Timothy to Macedonia, which is mentioned in Acts 19:22. Later he is mentioned in II Timothy 4:20 as being at Corinth, which may have been his hometown. He is mentioned here as being the chamberlain of the city which is the treasurer of that city. In other words, a very important job. One thing I want us to think on is this. Even though his job was important, he was willing to lay his entire reputation on the line for the Lord. Remember, the Jews were being persecuted at this time, along with the Christians. To come out and say that he was a Christian was taking a big chance. He could have been persecuted, even killed, for his beliefs. But he was willing to lay it all on the line for the Lord. Are we? If you knew that it might cost you your life, would you still say that you were a servant of the Lord? There is an old saying that I have heard and says that if serving the Lord was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Would you be willing to be like Erastus? The last person we see is Quartus. This is the only mention of him in the Scriptures. All Paul says of him is that he is a brother. Now, this is a brother in the Lord, not a flesh and blood brother. He was there supporting Paul during his ministry. I believe he was just a normal person who is listening and obeying the preaching of the Gospel. Isn't that what we are all supposed to do?
In conclusion. we have seen several men who supported Paul during this time. We have seen Timothy, who was on the front lines with Paul, we have seen his family going through the same sufferings and trials as Paul. We have seen one who laid aside everything to be there when the book of Romans was written. We have seen one who opened his home to missionary's, another who laid his entire reputation on the line, and one who was listening and obeying the preaching of the Gospel. Which one of these men do you relate to? Why not start like Quartus, a brother, and grow in the Lord, and then do more in your service for Him? Like the old saying goes. You have to start at the bottom. But you don't have to stay there! Folks, let's grow in the Lord, so that we can do more for Him. He did so much for us, so we should be willing to do this for Him. But again, who do you relate to when you look at these men?
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Post by Paws on Jul 16, 2007 2:23:29 GMT 12.75
Amen times ten! Man oh man did you ever tell the truth. When I was a baby Christian I placed the preacher on a pedestal, was somewhat afraid of him, and as a result I know I missed an awful lot because of erroneous much too high expectations that were framed by the concept of what a "man fo God" should be. Afraid I missed a couple of great friendships as a result. Then after a while I began to discover that these boys wore drawers and socks just like I did. They cut their finger and they would bleed, might even holler ouch or a praise worthy explitive. As a result of discovering their humanity I gained myself a half dozen life long friends in Tennessee, three in Iowa, a couple in Illinois, one in Glouster, one in Logan, two more in Columbus, two right where I was working, and two more right here on the internet. I treasure each of them and pray for them often. I love and respect them not because they are men of God but because they are humans who are men of God. That's a pretty special calling and really hard to answer up. Never forget that they need our voices and support and when it comes time our admonishment as well for reprovement or improvement just as would anyone we called our friend. Thank you Pastor Freddie on behalf of Brother Louie Montoya, Brother Billy Jones, Brother Mark, Brother Russel Kinney, Father Bob Jones, Brother Ronnie Fierce, Brother Joe Christman, Brother Bob Boyd, Brother Billie Hartsock, Brother Gerald Lamirand, and all the pastors, ministers, and men of God all of us know and respect because of their Love of God and their humanity. My good brother in Christ Billy Hartsock, often called Ezekiel, by his friends was once described by Dr. Tim Fouts as being "So Heavenly minded that he was no earthly good at all." We discovered that Billy got there because of the pedestal that "we" had built.
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Post by Toby Benoit on Jul 17, 2007 17:42:45 GMT 12.75
Slam dunk Brother!
I ain't been chiming in much, but I still read along. Been VERY limited on my online time lately. Hopefully that'll all end and I can get back on track.
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 18, 2007 9:02:27 GMT 12.75
Before I forget, there will probaly not a sermon posted for the next 2 weeks. i am going on vacation this coming Friday (the 20th) and will be back on the 29th. I don't have a laptop, so unless the condo that we are staying in has computers in their library, I won't be able to post during this time. Please remember us in your prayers, for a relaxful time, and especially a safe trip. Thanks,
Freddie Hill
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Post by Paws on Jul 18, 2007 9:39:50 GMT 12.75
We'll be saying a prayer or two for you.
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Post by Toby Benoit on Jul 20, 2007 9:00:31 GMT 12.75
Have a great trip Freddie! You guys be safe on the road and have a lot of peaceful fun!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 21, 2007 9:03:54 GMT 12.75
Ok it time to pull out. Keep us in your prayers, and if the Lord will, we will be back on the 29th. Toby, don't go getting hitched until I get back! The same goes for you too Rogue ;D
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Aug 5, 2007 22:59:44 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:25-27 (King James Version)
25. Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. 27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Since it has been 2 weeks since we have looked at Romans, due to me being on vacation, a short review is needed. We have been looking at Paul's farewell address to the church at Rome and has covered all of chapter 16 and part of chapter 15. The last time we looked at Romans, we saw all who were there with Paul. Timothy, Tertius, Gaius, and others were there helping Paul on the missionary field when this wonderful letter was wrote. We have seen others who Paul knew at Rome, such as Pricillia and Aquilla, that Paul sent personal greeting to. We have seen how we are to ark them which cause divisions, and to withdraw from them, because they only want to satisfy themselves. We have also seen that Paul desired the church at Rome to grow in the Lord, as children, so that they would know the difference between good and evil, and be able to be better witnesses for the Lord. With these thoughts in mind, lets look at the last 3 verses in Romans.
It is a bittersweet time for me personally today. I started preaching in Romans somewhere around October of 2005. So, if you do the math, I have been studying in this wonderful letter for almost 2 years. And today, we will look at the last 3 verses of Romans. I said bittersweet because of the time I have been studying in Romans. I have learned Paul's style of writing, and while I am looking forward to where we are going next, I also am sad to be finishing up in Romans. While I will come back to it at times, I don't see another series in Romans for several years. It is time to move on. And on that note, look for a new thread on here next week about where we will be studying. No, I am not going to tell before next week. You will have to read it and find out!
Have you ever broke out in spontaneous praise of the Lord? Have you ever just woke up one morning, with a song in your heart, that praises the Lord? I have, and that is exactly what Paul is doing here. In most of his other writings, Paul closes with something along the lines of "May the grace of Jesus be with you". But in Romans, he just breaks out in praise at the end of the book. Why? I believe that it is because he realizes what the Holy Spirit has inspired him to dictate to Tertius. Paul knows he has just laid out the basis for salvation in every aspect. He knows that all men are sinners by birth and need a Saviour. He knows that baptism or good works doesn't save a person. He knows that who you are or who you are kin to doesn't mean you are going to heaven. I believe Paul has looked back over this letter and fully realizes what it contains. So, when he looks back, he can't help but rejoice.
In verse 25, we see a word that we don't use very often now and that is "stablish". It is simply the Old English way of spelling establish. It is defined as to fix, make fast, or to set. In other places it is translated strengthen. In Luke 22:32, Peter was told to stablish (strengthen) the brethren. The same word is used here. The word "power" would be better translated in today's language as able or has the ability. So Paul is saying that He who has the ability to strengthen you according to my gospel. What does he mean? Let's look at it this way. Who has the ability to strengthen you according to the preaching of the Word? It isn't the preacher! It is the Lord God Almighty! When a preacher stands before you and delivers the word of God, the Holy Spirit (which is part of the Godhead) convicts us of our need to change to be better servants of God. As we are convicted and changed, we grow in the Lord. As we grow in the Lord, we are strengthened so that we can be better servants for Him. See how it works? Folks, do you see the need for change in your life? Do you see the need to be a better servant for the One who gave His life for you?
To get a better understanding of this passage, we need to look ahead, then come back to some of it. In the last part of verse 25 we see something that was kept secret since the world began, but in verse 26 we see that it is made manifest (known unto us) now. What is it that has been secret, but is now made known, and was preached by the prophets? It is my firm belief that it is Jesus Christ Himself! Think about it for a moment. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given a prophecy. They were told that one day, Jesus would bruise Satan's head and Satan would bruise Jesus' heel. Did they understand everything that was contained in that prophecy? I don't think so. I believe that all they knew was that one day a Saviour would come. A little further in history, we have the example of Abraham. Did he understand all that we know today about what Jesus did on the cross? I don't think he did. I believe that Abraham knew that a Saviour would come, and that innocent blood would be shed for his sins. There are many more examples in the Old Testament but space prevents me from giving them. But all through the Old Testament, Jesus is revealed. And in Paul's day, which was after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Jesus had been made known to them. The sacrifice that Jesus made was now made known to mankind! Folks, Paul had a reason to rejoice. He could look back a few short years and see what Jesus had done for him. All the Old Testament saints had to look forward in time, but we, like Paul, can now look back. What Jesus did on the cross for us has been made known! Brethren, we should be rejoicing in the fact that a lot of Old Testament prophecy has been fulfilled in the coming of the Lord. Do we? Or do we just treat it like any other event in history?
Folks, I urge you to go back and read the entire book of Romans. If you read it with an open heart, and follow the conviction of the Holy Spirit, it will change your life. I know it has mine. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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Post by Paws on Aug 6, 2007 0:25:03 GMT 12.75
And all the people said..... Amen!
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Post by Toby Benoit on Aug 6, 2007 15:31:46 GMT 12.75
Amen!
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