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2 Timothy 3:14-17 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Throughout history, the Bible has stood the test of time because it is "breathed out by God". As Paul continues in his letter to Timothy, he reminds him that he learned the Truth from Lois, Eunice, and Paul, and encourages Timothy that he has convictions from what he learned (v 14). Then he shares in verse 15: "which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Biblical faith and saving faith are not interchangeable. You can know the stories of the Bible and still need to trust your life to the Savior of the Bible. (John 5:39-40) Verses 16-17 say, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." These verses show the origin and the purpose of Scripture. (Gal 1, 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Pet 1:20) Teaching - what is right Reproof - what is not right Correction - how to get right Training - how to stay right The origin of Scripture is God-breathed and the purpose of Scripture is to make disciples and to bring them to maturity through teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Isaiah 55:11 shows us that the Word is effective as it "accomplishes what it was set out to do." The purpose of all of this is "that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Complete - Our character will be transformed over time into the image of Jesus Christ. Equipped - Our conduct will be completely supplied for every good work. The goal of reading the Bible isn't simply to know more about God. It's to know Him, trust Jesus, and become more like Him. We won't always get it right, but by God's grace, we can keep going. He wants an intimate relationship with you, and His Word is a love letter to you, His beloved. Questions to Consider: Paul tells Timothy to continue in what he has learned. What is one spiritual habit you want to keep going with, even when you don't feel like it?What are some of the things God uses His Word to accomplish in our lives?When is a time when the Bible helped you make a wise decision or encouraged you when you were struggling?If someone watched how you treated people this past week, what would they learn about what you believe? Who is being helped by what you are learning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 3:10-14 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Today's passage is a continuation from last week where Paul was writing about the darkness of false teachers. He then transitions to Timothy by writing, "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra - which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me." Paul tells Timothy to: Remember the pastLook at the Word In verses 10-11, all the verbs are past tense. Timothy listened to Paul's sermons, but he also watched his life. Specifically: Teaching - what Paul believed Conduct - how he lived Aim in life - what he lived for Faith - who he trusted Patience - how he treated difficult people Love - how he cared for others Steadfastness - how he endured Paul's greatest sermon may have been the life Timothy watched him live. Paul wasn't merely giving Timothy directions. He was showing him the way. In the same way, the Christian life is not simply information transferred from one generation to another. It's a life demonstrated from one generation to another. Paul then goes on to generally mention his sufferings in different cities. What he is referencing is: In Antioch, opponents drove Paul out of the city (Acts 13:50) In Iconium, they tried to stone him (Acts 14:5-6) In Lystra, Timothy's hometown, they stone Paul (Acts 14:19-20) Paul's words reminded Timothy of the certainty of suffering, but they also contained a promise of protection. In verses 12-13, all the verbs are future tense. Paul writes, "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This is not a "maybe" statement. He writes it as fact. (John 15) We should expect some degree of persecution. It varies in degree and takes different forms in different countries and in different ages. Christians will suffer because the world is hostile to the kingdom of God. Instead of being surprised by opposition, we should be surprised when we don't feel opposition. We must stay the course. For example: When honesty costs you financially, remain honest.When biblical convictions make you unpopular, remain faithful.When others compromise their integrity to get ahead, refuse to follow.When Christianity becomes culturally uncomfortable, don't back down. In verse 13, Paul is highlighting the contrast between the destinies of the persecuted believers and the persecuting false teachers. (Romans 8:28-30) He is also pointing out that those who are deceiving others are being deceived themselves. Having looked to the past and glanced toward the future, Paul now wants Timothy to focus on the present when he says in verse 14, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it." Paul isn't telling Timothy to discover something new. He is telling him to stay faithful to what he already knows. In a culture obsessed with novelty, Paul calls Timothy to stability. He is reminding Timothy where his "anchor in the storm" should be - in the unchanging Truth of God's Word. Questions to Consider: Who is someone whose example has helped you grow in your faith?What is one thing you have learned about following Jesus by watching someone else rather than just listening to what they say?Why do you think following Jesus can sometimes make life harder?Have you ever felt pressure to go along with something you knew wasn't right because you wanted to fit in? What made that difficult?Why is it important to keep following Jesus even when you don't feel motivated or when life gets hard?Take time this week to write down the times God has bee faithful to you in the best of times and the worst of times. Spend some time thanking Him for His faithfulness in all circumstances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy In this passage, Paul describes difficult times in the "last days". The last days began as soon as Jesus returned to the Father, and continue until He returns to make all things new. Paul's explanation takes us deeper than circumstances. He takes us into the human heart and reveals what happens when we love ourselves, our possessions, and our pleasure more than we love God. We all worship something or someone, and our life is an overflow of that love. What we love shapes how we live. When our desires become supreme, others needs become inconvenient. Paul goes on to bookend a long list of negative traits with misplaced "loves". These are: Love of self and money - Christ is not explicitly denied, He's just effectively displaced. This is the subtle deception of narcissism, and the key to the rest of the list. When the love of God is replaced with other loves, all sorts of vices follow. Proud Arrogant Abusive - speech that maligns others Disobedient to their parents Ungrateful - a spirit of entitlement Unholy Heartless Unappeasable - can not admit wrongdoing, refuses to forgive offenses Slanderous Without Self-control Brutal Not loving good Treacherous - betraying the well-being of another for personal gain Reckless - someone who rushes "headlong" into trouble Swollen with conceit - insanely arrogant Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - someone who elevates the desires for the moment above all else...even God. Jesus said that the Greatest Commandments are to "love God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself". The root of the trouble in these "last days" is that people are utterly self-centered and lovers of self. Thankfully, the gospel is the answer to this problem! Paul goes on to say that there are some "having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." Paul is describing people whose religious appearance is convincing, but whose lives contradict it. Jesus reserved His most intense words for religious leaders. (Matt 23:28) Paul isn't talking about sinners in need of Jesus. He is talking about people within the church. Jesus is merciful to those whose lives are a mess and who admit they need Him, but to those who play the hypocrite, there is nothing but rebuke. Finally Paul says that certain people would also try to win converts to their ungodliness. Paul warns that when unresolved guilt and unbridled desires intersect with smooth-talking teachers, spiritual captivity follows. False teachers can be persuasive, but persuasion does not make a message true (v7). Thankfully, evil has a limited shelf life, and Truth always prevails. In the end, God wins. Questions to Consider: If someone could see behind your public religious life, what would they find? (Remember, struggle does mean you have a fake faith. It's what you do with the struggle.)Where has self-love made you difficult to live with?Where has the desire for money compromised your obedience?Where has pleasure become your master? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 2:20-26 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Paul gives a great illustration that there are some vessels in a house for honorable use and other vessels for dishonorable use. An example would be that the honorable vessels of gold and silver would be used for serving food, while the dishonorable vessels of wood and clay would be used for taking out the trash. These two types of vessels represented two types of teachers present in the first-century church at Ephesus (and also in the church today). These dishonorable vessels are the false teachers that the Christian needs to distance themselves from. Paul says, "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel: for honorable purposesmade holyuseful to the master of the houseready for every good work. This doesn't mean that we have the ability to save ourselves apart from grace. Paul is talking about our responsibility to separate ourselves from the corrupting influences he has just described. This is about service...not salvation. The consistent command and expectation of God is for His people to be holy as He is holy. (Lev 11:45; 1 Peter 1:16) Paul goes on to tell us how to purify ourselves when he writes, "so flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." Paul says to flee youthful passions. "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels." Instead, we should be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patiently endure evil. Paul tells Timothy to correct error with gentleness (v25). The goal isn't simply winning an argument, but instead seeing someone restored to Truth. Pride is about being right, winning, and showing the opponent how they are wrong. Gentleness can help them "come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil." Gentleness does not mean timidity. It is strength under control. What kind of people does God use? People who are holy, who run in the right direction, who run with others, and who are gentle. Questions to Consider: What's the difference between standing up for what is right and being argumentative?Why can the way we correct someone (gentleness) be just as important as what we say?What do you need to run from? What do you need to pursue?Who are you running with? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 2:14-19 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Truth is Paul's concern in this passage as he writes to Timothy. There has always been and always will be false teachers, so Paul "reminds" Timothy in verse 14 to tell and retell what he received from Paul, who himself learned from Jesus. Timothy is urged to "do your best". This is a call to act immediately and make sure to give your best to the eternal things that will last. If you give everything you have only to the temporary things, then you have your priorities off. Paul writes, "a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth". The best description of this term is a road-maker cutting a straight path. The road builder's responsibility isn't to invent the destination. His job is to cut a straight path to it. That is the same for one who preaches or teaches Scripture. We don't decide where the road goes. God has already determined the destination. Our responsibility is to cut the path straight as parents, grandparents, small-group leaders, etc. Every Christian who says, "Here's what the Bible says"... is cutting a path. Be aware that you can know correct doctrine and still cut a crooked path through inconsistent living. Truth isn't just something we are supposed to explain correctly. It is something we are supposed to walk consistently. A crooked path rarely affects only the person who made it. Someone else walks down it. In verses 16-18, Paul moves from the responsibility of the worker to the consequences of the worker's words. Ideas don't stay in our heads. Ideas travel, influence, and reproduce. Paul says, "avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness and their talk will spread like gangrene". Error has an appetite, and it wants to spread. Truth nourishes, but error infects. Truth builds, but error destroys. Truth stabilizes, but error spreads instability. Paul goes on to use Hymenaeus and Philetus as examples because they spoke heresy that the resurrection had already happened. Christians can differ on things like baptism, church government, spiritual gifts, and other things while remaining within historic Christian orthodoxy. That said, there are doctrines that must be agreed upon like the deity and humanity of Christ, the Trinity, Christ's resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith. Some Christians have made everything a hill to die on, while other Christians have decided there aren't any hills worth dying on. Biblical maturity is knowing the difference. Remember, your theology never belongs only to you. What you believe affects how you live, and how you live affects the people around you. Paul then gives us great hope when he says, "BUT God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal:" In other words, People may move away from Truth, but Truth doesn't move. This "seal" is two-sided: God knows the heart of His people, so there is assurance. God's people must depart from iniquity, so there is obedience. Handle the Truth carefully because somebody is following your path. Questions to Consider: What king of Bible are people reading when they read your life?Are you handling God's Word accurately? Are you letting Scripture determine what you believe and how you live?Are you guarding what influences you? What voices are you allowing to shape your understanding of God more than Scripture?Does your life confirm what your mouth confesses? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 Student Teaching Pastor Jason Salyer Remember Jesus Christ  Paul writes that we are to keep Jesus always at the front of our minds and constantly in our daily moments. In v.8, Paul commands us to "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel." It is easy to become so consumed with what we are supposed to be doing for God that we forget what He has done for us. True endurance requires a theology that embraces both Christ’s identification with human suffering and royal reign from His Davidic lineage, and His victory through the resurrection. The gospel serves as glasses to see reality clearly, reminding us that the scepter of the universe is held by a nail-scarred hand. We must be in a state of consistently remembering the person and work of Jesus. If you only remember Jesus when it is convenient, you will likely forget Him when it is costly. We must each take personal stewardship of truth as “my gospel” because it is true, intentionally passing it down to each generation.  The Word is Not Bound Even after Nero’s Rome burned (A.D. 64) and Christians were branded as criminals, Paul penned these words with no hint of self-pity. In verse 9, he acknowledges his physical bondage, yet he confidently declares that "the word of God is not bound!" As the cultural and political landscapes shift around us, we can rest knowing that the advancement of the Kingdom does not depend on any human institution and share that same confidence in declaring the gospel and trusting God to use it as He sees fit. God frequently uses the struggles and suffering of His people to spread the gospel and embolden others. Just as we are to remember Jesus in all things, we should keep our confidence in the gospel regardless of what happens in our lives or the world around us. Trust God's Faithfulness The creedal language in v.11–13 serves as an anchor for our souls, providing truth and clarity against the false narratives of both ancient Rome and our modern age. This "trustworthy saying" guarantees that because we are united to Christ, our personal stories will follow His exact pattern: "If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him" (v. 11-12). However, the passage also carries a sober warning: "if we deny him, he also will deny us" (v. 12). Whether verse 13 brings warning or comfort entirely depends on your heart's response, but the ultimate reality remains: "if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself." Ultimately, the security of your life and our future depend entirely on the faithfulness of God, not the strength of your own grip. Because God is faithful, you know exactly how the story ends and can walk in faith each day. Reflection & Discussion Questions In v.8, Paul tells Timothy to "remember" things he clearly already knew. In what areas of your life are you most at risk to not live in a constant awareness of the person and presence of Jesus? Paul states that the word of God cannot be chained (v. 9), even when his own freedom was taken away. How does this truth change the way you view what may be challenging cultural shifts or personal limitations? If you were asked the question, “Why are you a Christian?” How would you respond? Is it just because it benefits you, because your parents are, or because you believe the gospel is true personally? Verses 11–12 promise that if we endure, we will also reign with Him. How does keeping the "end of your story" in mind help you to endure current or future hardships? How does it help us to focus on sharing the gospel now?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy This section of Paul's letter includes several commands to Timothy. These commands are: to be strengthened, to entrust, to share in suffering, to think over and to remember. Be Strengthened In verse 1, Paul says, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul does NOT tell Timothy to "be strong", but instead to receive something from outside himself. He needs to abide in Christ and find his strength in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we abide, our strength grows. God does the empowering, so our responsibility is to submit to His work and to cooperate with it. (2 Cor 10:10) (Rom 16:25) Our strength is in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Entrust Verse 2 says, "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." The two qualifications listed are people that are: faithful menable to teach It is our responsibility as stewards of God's Word to guard the deposit entrusted to us and then invest it in others. This is discipleship. It is more personal and intimate than preaching from a pulpit. One purpose of our salvation is to make disciples. Faith happens "to us" but also "through us". Share in suffering As Paul invited Timothy to follow him, he warned that the journey would not be easy through three examples. A good soldier of Christ Jesus - Soldiers on active duty do not expect a safe or easy time. They take hardship, risk, and suffering as a matter of fact. The soldier must be careful not to get "entangled" by civilian affairs. This means that the solider must stay focused on the task at hand, and "his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." In this case, Jesus Christ. The best athletes have millions of admirers, but very few imitators. Everybody wants the medals, the fame, and to be first, but few have the discipline to see it become a reality. In the same way, everyone wants to be spiritually mature, but few want the discipline that produces the good fruit...Scripture, prayer, worship, giving, serving, community, confession... The hardworking farmer - The Farmer works hard and puts something into the ground and then waits. Farmers understand that the absence of visible growth doesn't mean absence of activity. Paul told Timothy (and us) to keep plowing. (Gal 6:9) When we can't see the fruit or growth, we must persevere. We can do this by living an ABLE life: Abide in Christ - this is where it all starts and where our strength comes from. Build Relationships - getting close enough to people to invest in them. Living the Gospel - this is faithful Christianity lived out over time. Everything - be mature enough to realize everything in our lives are gifts from God's that we steward for the Kingdom. Think Over As we listen to Scripture, read it, memorize it, study it, meditate on it, and apply it, "the Lord will give you understanding in everything." Remember Jesus Christ When you're tempted to quit, remember Jesus Christ When you're tired of fighting the batter, remember Jesus Christ When you're tired of running the race, remember Jesus Christ Jesus knows something about suffering. Jesus knows something about endurance. Jesus knows something about finishing what the Father gave Him to do. And the Jesus who suffered is the Jesus who rose from the dead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guard the Treasure: 2 Timothy 1:13-18 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Paul begins this section of his letter to Timothy by telling him to hold on to what he already knows to be true. Paul knows Timothy is living in a culture where Truth is being challenged and distorted. We live in the same type of culture today; one that values "new" over "true". We must "hold on" when biblical Truth becomes unpopular, when obedience becomes costly, and when our feelings contradict what we know. When you can't see God's hand in the moment, hold on to His Word. Timothy is challenged to hold this Truth "in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus". In other words, Truth without love becomes harsh; and love without Truth becomes hollow. Paul was not just interested in what Timothy preserved, but also in how he preserved it. He was to guard it. The gospel isn't just something that we believe- it is something that has been entrusted to us. Verse 14 says, "By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." In this context "good" means "beautiful". The stewardship of the Truth he had received had now been passed along into the hands of Timothy, who was to pass it on yet again to other faithful Christians, who were to pass it on to still others. The same goes for us today. We must protect the gospel from intruders, wolves, and heretics who want to add to or take away from the purity of it. We must keep studying the gospel, and we must keep teaching the gospel so that we can know it and communicate it to a world that so desperately needs to receive it! We don't change the gospel to fit the culture; we carry the gospel faithfully into the culture. Paul then gets personal by speaking about how a man named Onesiphorus refreshed him, wasn't ashamed by his chains, and searched for him earnestly. We know some people disappear when following Jesus becomes inconvenient. Onesiphorus moved closer. He wasn't ashamed of Paul even though being near Paul hurt Onesiphorus' reputation. A faithful friend remains when association with you costs them something. According to the Bible, only two things will last: God's Word (Isa 40:8; Matt 24:35)- memorize ScriptureThe souls of people- invest into friendships Questions to Consider: Paul tells Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him (v. 14). What has God entrusted to you? How do you “guard” your faith?What does it look like to “refresh” someone who is discouraged or struggling?Paul says Onesiphorus was not ashamed of his chains. Are there times when we might be tempted to hide or be embarrassed about our faith? What could courage look like at school, work, or with friends?Who is someone you know who could use encouragement this week? What is one specific thing you could do for them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't Be Ashamed: 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Paul's letter to Timothy was known as his last letter as he was awaiting his death. It is full of conviction and challenge to his young disciple. Paul's words in verses 8-12 are one complete thought, and he begins, "Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner..." Paul was held in a Roman prison, but he called himself a prisoner of Christ. It is important for us to note the honor and shame culture of the Romans at this time. Paul's life and ministry, along with the fact that he was suffering in chains was culturally shameful. The cross that Jesus was crucified on was an instrument of shame. There was a deep cultural shame associated with anyone who believed in this "Savior". Anyone who was associated with Christ or with Paul was voluntarily entering into shame, persecution, imprisonment, and even potentially death. So, Timothy may have been tempted to be ashamed. Paul is urging Timothy to not give in to the shame culture and compromise the message. The culture also believed that all tangible matter was detestable. The idea of the resurrection would have been far more shameful than death on the cross! Plato's philosophy was that humans are divine sparks trapped within prisons of fleshy matter, and death is a liberation. Therefore, to the Greek mind, a reunion of mind with the body was absurd. Paul encouraged Timothy to preach the "disgraceful" cross and the "absurd" resurrection without shame. Paul shows Timothy how to have the strength to push through the persecution in verses 9-10. He implores Timothy to not lean into his own strength to suffer, but redirects his attention to the power of the gospel. There is nothing "enough" in us to suffer well. The Spirit of God in us is the only "enough" that will sustain us. Jesus "abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel". When Paul wanted to encourage Timothy, he didn't attempt to persuade him by appeals to feelings, but by reminding him of the Truth. When we speak the gospel, we should expect opposition. We do not go looking for suffering, but we should not be surprised by it when we give verbal witness of Christ's saving grace. Paul spoke boldly because he believed the gospel was worth it! Paul finishes this thought with "for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me". Before Paul charges Timothy with this responsibility, he reminds him that God Himself is the ultimate guardian of the gospel. Paul focuses on "who" He has believed. Paul's confidence isn't in a concept. It is in a person...Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! Faith isn't knowing what God is going to do next. It's knowing Him well enough to trust Him with whatever comes next. Questions to Consider: What are some things that might make you hesitant or embarrassed to talk about Jesus?Why is our relationship with Jesus more important than simply knowing facts about Christianity?What does it mean to trust God with our future?Where might God be asking you to be courageous about your faith? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fan the Flame: 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy In 62 AD, after his release from his first imprisonment, Paul goes to Ephesus and appoints Timothy as pastor. Paul writes 1 Timothy and Titus. A few years later Paul returns to Rome, is arrested, and writes 2 Timothy from the Mamertine Prison in 67 AD. While Paul wrote 1 Timothy to give instruction on the nature and practice of the church, 2 Timothy was written to focus on the personal ministry of Timothy himself. Timothy needs encouragement because he appears to be physically weak (1 Tim 5:23), personally timid (2 Tim 1:7), and relatively young (1 Tim 4:12). Mamertine Prison was very different from the other times that Paul was in prison. This was a dark, musty, overcrowded prison without much light or food. The language of 2 Timothy is dungeon-talk, the anguished words of a man suffering maltreatment in a rat-infested pit. As Paul was waiting for his final trial, he thought of his closest companion and began to write to Timothy, who was 830 miles away in Ephesus. Timothy was in his early 40's, and was leading the church there. Paul had established the Ephesian church while spending three years in that town. He kept in close contact with the congregation throughout his life, and visited on his second and third missionary journeys. Paul then became Timothy's mentor and friend, and they traveled together during Paul journeys. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, Timothy became the pastor of the Ephesian church. As Paul begins this letter, the reader can see the deep affection that Paul has for Timothy. He is a mentor to Timothy as they had ministered together since the beginning of Paul's 2nd journey. Paul writes life-giving words to Timothy, thanking God for him, remembering him in his prayers, and longing to see him. Love and prayer are two essentials behind the act of mentoring. Paul was intentional to help Timothy in the areas of calling, character, and competency. He was intentional with Timothy in spending time with him and caring about his future. Paul then goes on to speak about Timothy's grandmother and mother. We know from Acts 16:1 that Timothy's dad is an unbelieving Greek, but that he has a godly Jewish grandmother and mother. This example shows us very practically how the church and home are connected. He has intentional love and equipping from his family at home, and he has Paul investing into him as a spiritual mentor from the church perspective. Paul goes on in verse 6 to encourage Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God". This was calling Timothy up to remind him to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in him, and to remind him to not get complacent. This is a reminder to all of us that faith doesn't stay vibrant accidentally. Finally, Paul writes in verse 7, "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." Boldness, not cowardice, is a mark of the Spirit. We are to fight fear with the promises of God. The Spirit of God empowering the people of God is sufficient to accomplish the mission of God. God gave Timothy a mentor, a momma, and the Spirit. Questions to Consider: Do you have a Paul in your life? Who is it? Who could it be?Do you have a Timothy in your life? Who is it? Who could it be?What is your spiritual heritage? Who did you take the "baton" from? Who are you passing it to?What fear is controlling you? (failure, rejection, aging, sharing your faith, the future, your children, etc.) How do you fight these fears with the promises of God?Knowing that we are created to be in community with one another, how is the flame being fanned in your life? Whose "flame" are you fanning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be Kind to One Another Worship Pastor Justin Taylor Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Justin used a gardening illustration to share how kindness is part of a bigger eco-system. No plant can survive apart from the surrounding conditions that help it flourish, and no person can be kind apart from the surrounding conditions that help it flourish. Kindness has its own biblical eco-system; it belongs to the fruit of the Spirit. This is God's work.This fruit is not kindness by itself. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Gal 5:20-21) Just like many fruit trees need a "companion species", so does kindness. It's companions are "tenderheartedness" and "forgiveness".You can't be hard-hearted, and unforgiving, AND kind at the same time...for very long. These would be weeds in the garden of kindness. There are several other weeds too. Eph 4:30-31 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." Wow, that is a lot of weeds! Question 1 - Are there weeds in your life that need to be pulled? Keeping in step with the Spirit means that from time to time, we're going to have to pull some weeds. Question 2 - Do you have the necessary companions in your life? Are you living in community? Are you in a small group of believers? We need each other because we are created in God's image. God is a God of community. We are people of God, the body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Question 3 - Are you planted in the right soil? (Eph 3:14-17) The soil where kindness grows is love. Love is the fulfillment of the Law (Rom 10:13, Gal 5:14), and the sum of every Law including kindness (Matt 22:36-40) Love is described in 1 Cor 13:4-6 as "patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude." Kindness is a command not because it's more effective or winsome - but because unkindness is a sin. And it grieves the Holy Spirit of God. Question 4 - Are you getting enough sunshine? Kindness grows in the light of God's kindness to us in Jesus. In reality, kindness is a character study. Jesus is the epitome of kindness. Even when He turned over tables and called out the Pharisees and Sadducees, he was kind, even if He wasn't "nice" in those instances. Are you spending time with Jesus as you read the Bible and listen to what He has to say to you? (John 5:39-40) We can be kind to one another because of Jesus' relationship with His Father. Kindness is not the reward for our labor; it's fruit of the Spirit. (1 Cor 3:6-9) God is love, and our job is to abide in His love. Jesus loves you as much as His Father loves Him! (John 15:9) The Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus! (John 17:23) Questions to Consider: What are the weeds in your life that need to be pulled? (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice, unforgiveness)Who are the companions in your life? What are those companions pointing you to? Are your companions focused on Jesus?What soil are you planted in? Remember, "you become what you behold". Is the Fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?Are you getting enough sunshine? Are you have a consistent quiet time of abiding in God's Word? Do you have any time of stillness and quiet to listen to the voice of God? What can you change in your daily rhythm to make this a priority? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Motivate One Another to Good Works Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy In Hebrews 10, the writer begins verse 19 with "therefore". He has already argued that Christ was a better High Priest, with a better covenant, and a better sacrifice. Remember, the Jewish people spent their entire lives being reminded that their sins were not fully atoned for. They made daily and annual sacrifices for their sins. Hebrews 10:12 says, "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God." Verse 17 says, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Verse 19 says, "since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus..." The word "enter" is not just permission to enter, but a welcome; a new and living access into God's immediate presence! This was a radical concept for a Jew to think about going into the very presence of God, much less, doing it with confidence. To a Jew who took the Old Covenant seriously, the prospect of entering the holy place was inconceivable and impossible. Now the writer of Hebrews says that Jesus' blood has effectively torn the veil that had separated sinful man from Holy God for thousands of years. How? By the blood of Jesus! (Heb 9:22) Verse 20 goes on to show us that God's presence in the most holy place had the curtain that once was a barrier to man is now no longer there. The word "new" comes from a Greek word that meant "freshly slain." But this Sacrifice was not only freshly slain, but He is also "living", risen from the dead! When Jesus, the Messiah, died on the Cross, the veil of the temple was torn by God Himself, showing Israel two things: that the Messiah had now provided the actual entrance for the sinner into the presence of God, and that the symbolic sacrifices were to be discontinued. Verse 22 - Let us draw near with a true heart - undividedin full assurance of faith,with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscienceand our bodies washed with pure water. These are not suggestions; they are strong, urgent exhortations. They are a call to decisive action. It is the strongest way to urge a group to action. Verse 23 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful. The writer urges the recipients not to lean back towards the First Testament Like the generation which left Egypt, who in their hearts were returning to that place of slavery, so these unsaved Jews under stress of persecution were leaning back in their hearts to the First Testament. They were wavering between two things, either to go on to the act of faith in Jesus or to go back to the old ways, which were tradition and familiar. Verse 24 - And let us consider how to stir up once another to love and good works. To "consider" is to put one's mind down on something, to think down and observe or consider carefully and attentively. It is not a passing glance, but focused attention that leads to meaningful response. To "stir up" is to literally jab someone so they must respond. "One another" is the pulse of the Christian life. We were made to be in community. Christianity is a "we" faith. Our charge is to provoke one another to love and good deeds. One of the clearest ways to do this is by being together and encouraging one another with urgency. One act of intentional encouragement may become the very thing God uses to keep someone from giving up. Questions to Consider: What does it mean to "draw near" to God? How can we do that every day?What does it look like to "hold fast" to our hope when life is difficult?Why do Christians need other Christians instead of trying to follow Jesus alone?What is one practical way you can encourage someone this week? (a letter, text, phone call, visit, etc.)Are you in a small group where you can be known and loved? Why or why not? If not, will you have the courage to find one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clothe Yourself in Humility to One Another - 1 Peter 5:5-6 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy We spend our lives trying to climb the ladder, but God says, 'Humble yourselves, and I will lift you up.' The way up in God's kingdom is down. We are told to clothe ourselves in humility. The word used here meaning to “clothe or tie on oneself” describes a slave putting an apron over his clothes in order to keep his clothes clean. This means it is proactive not passive. Humility isn't something you accidentally wear. It's something you intentionally put on every morning and walk in throughout the day. Peter echoes the night that Christ dressed Himself with a towel and taught the disciples that humility is the prerequisite for serving (John 13:4–15).  You must choose humility. John Wesley observed that “neither the Romans nor the Greeks had a word for humility.” The very concept was so foreign and disgusting to their way of thinking that they had no term to describe it. We must realize no matter how our culture treats pride, it is truly dangerous. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Imagine having God as your opponent. Nothing is more dangerous than pride. God delights in humility because he delights in being trusted. The proud seek glory for themselves while the humble give glory to God. At work, humility celebrates someone else's promotion. Pride secretly hopes they fail. On Social Media, pride constantly asks, "Did anyone notice me?" Humility asks, "Did anyone see Christ?" When we gather as the church, pride asks, "What am I getting?" Humility asks, "Who can I serve?" Humility is voluntary surrender.  We are told to cast all our anxieties on God, freeing us from constant concern for ourselves and enabling us truly to be concerned for the needs of others. Pride says, "I can carry this." Humility says, "God can carry what I cannot." When we walk in humility, we live open-handed, not with clenched fists.  Three ways we can put this into practice this week: Remind yourself of the humility of ChristThink deeply about itPut on your clothes and walk in humility before God and others Questions: What stood out to you from the passage about how God views humility and pride? How is this different from how those things are viewed in our culture?How can we be more mindful of areas of pride forming in our lives?What are some specific ways you can clothe yourself in humility before God and others this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Good to One Another Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Galatians 6:9-10 says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Paul has credibility to say this because he was not a quitter. He faced just about every hardship possible (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). In writing to the church in Galatia, he was challenging them to stay the course and to not give up. How do we maintain motivation to not quit? Remember He is good. Regardless of circumstances, God is good in all things and in all ways. (1 Chron 16:34; Psalm 34:8; Nahum 1:7) He DOES good. (Psalm 119:68; Psalm 23; James 1:7) He does good THROUGH us. We must abide in Christ and soak in His Word. This will form you and fuel you to do His good. (Gal 5:22-23) Remember that doing good is what we are built (created) to do. Goodness is one of God's communicable traits, and when we imitate Him, we do good. (Eph 2:10) He EQUIPS us to do good. His true and pure Word equips us for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17) Paul writes, "as we have opportunity". This is speaking of time. The ticking time of life (chronos) is embedded in the opportunities that are in front of us (kairos). We will have opportunities to do good each day, and it is up to us whether we will step into them or not. The exhortation is not merely to do good to others when the opportunity presents itself, but to look for opportunities to do good to others. (Titus 3:1-8) This is especially important to those in our Carmel community. We should look for ways to "do good" to one another in order to care for one another, and encourage one another, so that we love one another well! Questions to Consider: We have been blessed with so much, and often we forget about our blessings. Take a few minutes to have an attitude of thankfulness to God for the gifts in your life. What are some of those gifts?What are some good things that are easy to start but hard to keep doing?How is serving our Carmel family different from serving people outside the church? Why are both important?What would perseverance in doing good look like for you this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bear Burdens with One Another Guest Pastor Jim Kallam The churches in Galatia were very new, being led by legalistic teachers, and made up of both Messianic Jews and Gentiles.The Jews believed that the Gentiles needed to follow the Mosaic Law as a part of their salvation. Paul wrote the letter to the Galatian churches to rescue them from the false teaching that salvation requires both faith in Christ and obedience to the Law. Paul reaffirmed that people are justified by grace alone through faith alone, and then called believers to live out that freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit. These churches were worried about the guardrails due to this freedom from the Law of Moses. Paul gave them instructions on how to be in community together under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul focuses on "bearing one another's burdens". A burden is a "heavy, crushing weight that cannot be managed by one person alone". We are made to be in community, and to lift one another up. We all have burdens to bear, and those burdens are supposed to be shared. Too often, within the church, people do not feel safe to share their burdens for fear of judgement. In Matthew 11, Jesus describes Himself as gentle and lowly in heart. Jesus didn't restore people with a pointed finger, but with open arms. The emphasis is on the restoring the person instead of focusing on the justice that must be served. Gentleness is the key to restoration. This is a simple command that we can all do. We look around at those in our community and see a burden. Then we can have the privilege to come alongside them. Paul ends this thought with "and so fulfill the Law of Christ". The law of Christ is submitting to Jesus and living out the teachings of Jesus in the church and beyond. We can only do this with the help of the Holy Spirit as He produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. God is deeply concerned with how we treat one another. The "one anothers" are what should make us different than the world. Questions to Consider: Why is it sometimes easier to carry our burdens alone than to ask for help?Can you think of a time when someone helped carry one of your burdens? How did that encourage you?Is there anyone at school, church, work, or in your neighborhood who may be carrying a heavy burden right now?Jesus carried the greatest burden of all—our sin—on the cross. How should His love change the way we carry the burdens of others? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.