"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN THESE LAST DAYS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN THESE LAST DAYS"

2nd Timothy 4:1 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:”

2nd Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.”

2nd Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;”

2nd Timothy 4:4 “and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

2nd Timothy 4:5 “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 10/25/14)

A few background thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

These are the last words that we have recorded of the beloved Apostle Paul.

It's always said, that it's important to listen to the last words of a man before he dies.

Normally a man's last words are considered to be very meaningful.

I believe this is the case here.

1. We have a charge given us by God.

2nd Timothy 4:1 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:”

Paul was instructing Pastor Timothy here.

But, in a very real sense, this is instruction for all of us in the body of Christ.

Clearly we are not all called to be preachers.

But, we are all called to serve the Lord.

We serve Him by using our gifts, time, and resources to support the work of God.

May we ponder these words given to Timothy

We have a charge also.

Our charge is before our God

He is one day going to judge the world at His appearing and His kingdom.

2. There is way to carry out our charge.

2nd Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.”

Now we see the point of the charge.

It has to do with God's precious Word.

It is to be proclaimed.

Preach the Word, that is the charge.

We may not have the gift of preaching.

But let’s, as a team, support by love, by prayer and by service the work of preaching and teaching the Word.

God used preaching to save you if you are saved.

Preaching is God's will. 

Let's get behind it.

3. We are also told of a time that is coming (and I believe is here now).

2nd Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;”

2nd Timothy 4:4 “and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Paul tells Timothy of a time that will come.

When you read these verses, that time is described in great detail.

It has to do with men and their itching ears.

What they will not endure and what they will be interested in (to their own demise).

Men will have the Word available to them.

But they will choose to pursue and listen to fables, or non-truths.

Do you see that happening today?

4. We are told what to do in these last days.

2nd Timothy 4:5 “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Here's a simple vision statement from God for our lives in these last days.

We are to be watchful or paying attention, alert and sober minded.

We are to endure afflictions

They will come, and are coming rapidly now.

But we can endure them.

That's the way to deal with an affliction, just endure it.

Also, we are to do the work of an evangelist.

We are not all gifted with that gift.

But we can still do the work of one.

We can support those who have the gift.

We can fulfill our ministry.

We ought to accomplish the work that God has given us to do.

Jesus is coming back for us.

Let's be busy working for Him while we wait for Him.

Some Questions:

1. Do you personally feel that sense of responsibility from God?

2. Do you want to have that responsibility?

3. Do you still believe that Jesus is coming back again?

4. Can you see the days we are living in, and the interest people have in fables?

5. Will you renew yourself today in your service to God?

6. Do you know that God will readily receive you and use you beyond your wildest dreams?

A Prayer:

Father, thank You for these last and very important words of a man who was called and gifted by You and is now in heaven with You.

We are here with these wonderful words of truth that You gave him for us. 

May we take them to heart today through prayer and the submitting of our wills to You.

You have such a love for people and You want to reach them through Your Word.

Lord, help us to hunger for, appreciate, listen to, obey and be supportive of the ministry.

We lovingly long for Your return, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE PROMISES OF GOD FOR HIS CHILDREN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE PROMISES OF GOD FOR HIS CHILDREN"

Psalm 91:14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.”

Psalm 91:15 “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”

Psalm 91:16 “With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 10/22/14)

1. God makes promises to those who love Him and know Him.

Psalm 91:14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.”

The Psalms are full of truths about God.

They include many promises He has made to us.

One basic truth here is that we can love and know God.

We did not always know and love Him.

But when we were saved we came into that relationship with Him.

Now we know Him, and can love Him.

2. What God promises to those who love and know Him.

Psalm 91:14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.”

Here is just one promise we have from God.

God promises to deliver His children.

God promises to set us on high.

God's promises are all for those who know Him. 

These promises are therefore for you as a person who knows and loves God.

3. Several more specific promises from God for those who love Him and know Him.

Psalm 91:15 “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”

Psalm 91:16 “With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

We can call upon Him, and He will answer us. That's a promise.

God promises to be with us in trouble. That's a promise.

He will deliver and honor us. That's a promise.

God will give us long life and will satisfy us. That's a promise. 

God will show us His salvation. That's a promise.

4. Here's how these verses read in the NLT:

Psalm 91:14 “The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”

Psalm 91:15 “When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.”

Psalm 91:16 “I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Some Questions:

1. Do you often think about the fact that God makes promises to you?

2. Do you know that when God makes a promise, that He makes good on His promises?

3. Can you, will you claim these promises as your own today?

4. Will you join me in giving thanks to God for His many wonderful promises?

A Prayer:

Father, we have no one like You, because there is no one like You. You alone are God, and You alone reign on high. 

Thank You for being true and faithful and loving us so much. Thank You also for the comfort we derive daily from Your Word.

Your promises lift our hearts day by day, and we need that encouragement, Lord.

Help us to simply believe You when You speak to us.

Please show us how to apply what You show us. 

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO WORK EACH DAY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO WORK EACH DAY"

1st Timothy 6:1 “Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.”

1st Timothy 6:2 “And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”

(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 10/21/14)

Some background, application, questions and a prayer:

This letter written by Pastor Paul to Pastor Timothy included teaching about many things in the church. How we are to live day by day, treat each other, what to watch out for, and what to hope in. These verses have to do with simply going to work, and how to treat those who are over us on the job.

1. We ought to treat our masters with all honor.

1st Timothy 6:1 “Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.”

In the early church, there were many, many slaves, and many of them were followers of Jesus Christ. God was telling the christian slaves how to treat their masters. They were to be respectful to them.
If not, there was the danger of Christianity being ill spoken of.

So, you can be a good witness of the Lord at work by how you treat your boss.
Simply be respectful, and you will avoid giving opportunity for unbelieving bosses to blaspheme or speak ill of the Lord.

2. The reason for treating our masters with all honor is so that God and His Word will not be ill spoken of.

1st Timothy 6:1 “Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.”

Here's how this reads in the NLT:
1st Timothy 6:1 “Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed.”

Give your masters full respect, and this will keep the name of God from being shamed.
People will blame God based on how His followers act.
Or, to put it another way, people will not be able to blame God if God's followers act in a Godly way.
In this case, it's simple. Be respectful to your employer.

3. If you happen to have a boss that is a Christian, here's what to do.

1st Timothy 6:2 “And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”

It seems that Christians sometimes think that if their boss is a christian, then their boss ought to treat them with favoritism, and cut them some slack, etc.

But not so.
Here's what's said.
Do not despise your boss if he is a christian.
This was originally written to slaves who had owners that were also christians.
Christian slaves owned by Christian masters.

Do not despise them, but rather serve them.
God has blessed them and saved them.
They are loved by God.

Again here's how this verse reads in the New Living Translation:
1st Timothy 6:2 “If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.”

Questions:

1. Do you have a job you go to everyday?

2. Who is your direct supervisor?

3. Is your boss a believer or an unbeliever?

4. Do you realize what an opportunity you have each day to be a good witness for Christ?

5. Simply be respectful, this will mean much to keeping accusations down about God and bringing glory to His name.

A Prayer:

Father, first of all, thank You for a job. You have provided the work we have. May we honor You by honoring those who are over us on our jobs. You desire to be glorified in and through our lives, and by our simply being respectful we can bring glory to Your name.
Help us, Lord, to follow Your Word and Your Ways day by day. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SINS AND GOOD WORKS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SINS AND GOOD WORKS"

1st Timothy 5:24 “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.”

1st Timothy 5:25 “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 10/20/14)

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

Paul was advising young pastor Timothy about how to conduct himself in the church, and how the church was to conduct itself.
He covers the bases as it were. Dealing with very specific instruction about different a get groups, men, women, elders, compensation for leaders, along with the responsibilities of leaders.
In these two verses, Paul addresses two issues. Sins and Good works.

1. Some people's sins are very evident.

1st Timothy 5:24 “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.”

Here is how this reads in the NLT:
1st Tim 5:24 :Remember that some people lead sinful lives, and everyone knows they will be judged. But there are others whose sin will not be revealed until later.:

So, it's pretty clear that there are some people who lead sinful lives and everyone can see it, and everyone knows about it.
The other thing that is clear is that people who live sinful lives (unsaved people) will one day stand before the Lord and be judged for their sins.
Paul tells us that everyone who knows about the lives of sinful people also know that those people are headed for judgement.
This is a very sobering truth.

2. Some people's sins are not evident in this life.

1st Timothy 5:24 “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.”

Here is how this reads in the NLT:
1st Tim 5:24 “Remember that some people lead sinful lives, and everyone knows they will be judged. But there are others whose sin will not be revealed until later.”

This is the other side of the proverbial coin as it were.
There are some people who lead sinful lives, and are able to keep their sins hidden, at least from men around them.
God, of course, knows and can see, but we cannot.
However, Paul says that what is hidden from men will one day be revealed later on.
He is speaking of the judgement mentioned earlier.
There will be some surprises at the end.
Those who have been able to hide their sins and fool others will be seen for what they really did.
Again, how sobering.

3. Those people with good works are clearly evident.

1st Timothy 5:25 “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

It's hard to hide good works. They seem to show up like bright lights.
They are clearly evident to all.
Most of us know what good works others do.
It's hard to hide them.

4. Some people's good works are not so evident but will one day come to light in heaven.

1st Timothy 5:25 “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

But, even though good works are hard to hide, or not be seen, there are many people who have many good works, that no one seems to know about.
And it won't be until later that their good works will be known.
Isn't that a blessing.
It's not sobering like the earlier verse, but pregnant with hope and joy.
God is going to reward His saints at what is called the Bema Seat of Christ.
Jesus will test all of our works and reward us accordingly.
What a great day to look forward to.

Some Questions:

1. Do you pay much attention to the people around you?

2. Can you see what is taking place in people's lives?

3. It's pretty easy to see much of the evil that is going on, isn't it?

4. Some of the sinful deeds are being hidden from our eyes.

5. Do you know that God wants to reward you for your good deeds?

6. Are you one of those people whose good deeds are done kind of quietly, and no one really knows about them except God?

A Prayer:

Father, You have a future ahead for all men. Some will go into the judgement of God and separated forever. They will be punished for their sins. Others will go into heaven and be rewarded by You, and enjoy Your company and the company of all the angels and all others who are saved.
We thank You for the glorious future You have given to us. And, we pray that You would make us compassionate for those around us who are at this time not headed to heaven. Might we be used by You to help them change their eternal destination. In the name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia