Tag Archives: Christianity

Philemon- Fellow Laborers

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Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

The Church , the Body of Christ, is made up of many people, many parts, (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12) all coming together to serve, worship, and build a community together. This epistle to Philemon is a great example of this, while Timothy was being trained to be a Pastor/Elder of the Church, Philemon provided his house as the building for this Church.

These simple things can be overlooked alot, when people provide for the Church, its a blessing for everyone in the Church. You don’t need to be the Pastor or Elder of the Church , to serve the Church. It can be as simple as cleaning or doing maintenance of the building, serve by leading Sunday School or participating in worship music. Everything we do is for the glory of God, there is no task that is too little when you are serving The Lord

Notice the Apostle Paul views Philemon as “our beloved friend and fellow laborer” even though Philemon wasn’t a preacher, Paul regarded him as an equal laborer in Christ. This is how we should view all our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be the greatest in the Kingdom of God, must be the servant of all” (Matthew 20:26) 

The Apostle Paul mentions “to the church in your house” it’s clear Philemon is hosting the Church in his own house. It appears Philemon could have been a wealthy man and was using his money to provide for the Church. These blessings will not go unnoticed by God. While many of the people might not know, how the building is being provided, God knows! 

But a second point I want to make about this, it was common practice in the early Church to worship in houses due to persecution and restrictions by their governments. You don’t need to worship in a fancy building to be called a “Church”, the Ekklessia is the body of Christ, the people not the building. Many Churches are spending too much time and money on their building and not the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) I know alot of Christians, who believe you have to only worship in a particular building or they won’t worship outside of their building, this becomes idolatry. Beware not to make your building an idol before God, we are the temples of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, (1 Corinthians 6) wherever you are there is the Church!

I will end with the words of the Apostle Paul “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” Live in peace with the grace of our God with your fellow servants, the Church, the body of Christ, your co-laborers in Christ, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- The Lord Is With You

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But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!  2 Timothy 4:17-18

As we talked about previously, the Christian walk is not going to be an easy task, as Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me (Christ) (Matthew 16:24) This is a walk of discipline and obedience, it’s also a walk of persecution and suffering. As Jesus also said “if the world hates you, know it hated me (Christ) first (John 15:18) 

But despite all of this, remember and understand this, The Lord is with you through all of it! As the Apostle Paul stated here “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” , remember what the Apostle Paul also said “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) The Lord Jesus Christ is with you always, everywhere you go, and will strengthen you also during times of hardship and trials.

Through all this, the Apostle Paul understood what his mission was, “so that the message might be preached fully through me” Paul wasn’t looking for his “best life now” Paul was trying to finish his race, complete the higher calling that was placed upon him. This should be our mission also, to fulfill the calling God has placed upon us. To have an eternal perspective on life and not a temporary outlook. Seek the Kingdom of God first! (Matthew 6:33)

“That all the Gentiles might hear” The Apostle Paul preached the gospel to the entire world, this is what we should do also, to fulfill the Great Commision “Make disciples of ALL the nations (meaning everyone) (Matthew 28:19) Preach the gospel to ALL Creatures (everyone) (Mark 16:15) This is your higher calling as a servant of Christ, to preach the gospel and make disciples, and The Lord will be with you and strengthen you, through all things!

You were marked, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) As the Apostle Paul said “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom” Satan will try to destroy You and your ministry, but The Lord will deliver you, because it’s all for the Glory of God and not ourselves, fulfill your higher calling and understand The Lord is with You and will strengthen you through all things, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- The Narrow Walk

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Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 2 Timothy 4:9-16

One things you will learn as a Christian, the deeper your relationship grows with Christ, the more people will oppose and abandon you. As Jesus Christ warned us “if the world hates you, remember that it hated me (Christ) first” ( John 15:18) If the world crucified our Lord because he brought the truth , don’t think the world doesn’t want to kill you also for preaching the truth. This is part of the cross you must carry as a disciple of Christ. 

As we look at the Apostle Pauls letter here, almost everyone abandoned him during his ministry. Not only did they reject Paul, but persecuted him. Even other Christians who were believers with Paul, neglected him because they feared to be part of the persecution he was facing. Doesn’t this sound familiar today? There are many who claim to be a Christian, but hide in the closet or shadows in fear to support their brethren. 

But as Paul is demonstrating here, he needed companionship, he needed his brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with him. So he pleaded with Timothy to visit him because Paul needed fellowship, this is why the Church is so essential for your salvation. Don’t believe you can finish this walk alone, just as the Apostle Paul needed his brothers and sisters in Christ, we need our family of God also. 

Another thing to notice is some of the brethren forsook the Church and pursued the world. As The Lord warned “Remember Lots Wife” (Luke 17:32) Who was told to not look back, many Christians go back into the world and lose their soul. But just as Christ said “Whoever seeks to preserve his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it” (Luke 17:33) Many Christians will turn back to the world, turn back to their old sin, but we must keep our eyes focused on Christ

But notice the Apostle Pauls response to all those who abandoned and persecuted him, “May it not be charged against them” reminds you when The Lord was hanging on the cross and said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) Let The Lord  be your vindicator, pray for your enemies even when its hard

Jesus said “Narrow is the way to life” (Matthew 7:14) As you continue to grow closer to Christ in your walk, just like the Apostle Paul, most people will abandon and oppose you, cling to Jesus in all circumstances, be led by the Holy Spirit, Amen

2 Timothy 4- Crown of Righteousness

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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

One day we will all have to stand before The Lord and give an account for our life, for Christians this is a glorious thought , for the unsaved this should be a terrifying thought. As scripture says “Its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31) This is why we preach the gospel with urgency to everyone, seek Jesus and become Born Again before its too late, because there are no second chances in Hell (Luke 16, Hebrews 9:27)

We talked about previously what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ, to carry your cross, to crucify your flesh and live for Jesus. Some would say, what is the point of all this? As a servant of Christ, its an honor and privilege to serve Christ, but also Jesus will reward your faithful service. As the Apostle Paul states here “There is a laid up for me a crown of righteousness” just as Paul compared the Christian walk with competing in a race or battle, the crown is the ultimate prize, the completion of a successful mission. As Paul also said “I press on toward the goal, so I can win the prize” (Philippians 3:14)

When we stand face to face with The Lord, we want to hear him say “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) What we don’t want to hear from The Lord is “Depart from me , I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) These have to be the most terrifying words in the entire Bible. But Jesus is worthy and able to give you the crown of righteousness because He is the righteous judge!

My question or challenge for you today, is are you striving for the crown of righteousness? When you stand before The Lord and give an account of your life, what will He say to you? Are you living for Jesus? Does your life reflect the profession of your faith?

Now I would like to just end with what the Apostle Paul says here “but not only me, but also all of them that love His appearance” the crown of righteousness is available to all who love Christ. But if you truly love Christ, does your life reflect this? Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) See what Paul is teaching here is not works or legalism, this is about relationship with our Living God! Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Fight the Good Fight

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For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

While the Apostle Paul was writing this epistle, he knew his time was running short. And he was correct, Paul was executed by the Roman Empire during his imprisonment which he wrote this letter. But the Apostle Paul knew to live his life has a “Living Sacrifice” to God (Romans 12:2) as he states here “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” We also as Christians should learn to number our days (Psalm 90:12) and to live for Christ and fulfill our calling by God

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, come after me, deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) This should be the mission statement for every Christian, any other expectation outside this mantra is not of the will of God. This is a hard reality for most Christians to accept, to take up your cross and die to self, to die to the world, to crucify the flesh daily, none of this seem natural to the carnally minded. But to those filled and led by the Holy Spirit, its the higher calling by our Lord

As the Apostle Paul states here “I have fought the good fight” Paul described the Christian walk as a battle, you are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) Paul never described the Christian walk as “living your best life now” this is a deception from the devil. This is a fight, this is a battle, this is a war for your soul and all the souls of the world. The greatest war in human history has been ongoing for centuries, and most don’t even realize they are in it. Fight the good fight of faith, as Paul also said “endure hardness as a soldier of Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)

The Apostle Paul also said “I have finished my course” As Jesus said “Count the cost” (Luke 14:28) Becoming a Christian will cost you everything, Jesus warns before you profess your faith in Christ, understand the cost. As Paul said “You were bought with a price, you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:20) Many believe in Christ but fall away when the road gets tough, finish the course! Jesus also said “Those who endure to the end, shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Complete your higher calling in Christ, fight the good fight of faith!

Finally Paul says “I have kept the faith” seems like a simple statement, but many lose their faith when they enter into the battle. Put your full faith and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ in all things, even when we don’t fully understand Gods plan, understand we already have victory in Jesus, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Fight the good fight, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Sound Doctrine

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For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

Once again the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is revealing what it will be like in the Last Days. “For the time (Church age) will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine” We live in an age where most people who profess to be Christians, don’t want to hear the sound doctrine of the Bible, more evidence it seems we are living in the last days. 

When you look around the Churches and see what is being preached from the majority of pulpits, most of its blasphemy, most of it is a complete denial of our foundational doctrine that has been given to us by the Holy Spirit. The majority of the Church today denies Jesus is God in the flesh, the majority of the Church denies they are sinners in need of repentance, a good portion of the Church denies the bodily resurrection of Christ, many deny the Virgin Birth, and so on and so on. If you don’t believe me, visit my YouTube Channel where I expose these heresies being preached from the pulpits.

We live in an age where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20) But this is no surprise to God, as this was prophesied to happen, the great falling away will happen. As Jesus Christ said “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24) Jesus also said “Those who endure to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13)

So here’s the warning, don’t be deceived, because Christ said even some of the elect will be deceived. So what is the root behind these false teachings? As the Apostle Paul states “but after their own lusts, because they have itching ears” These are carnally minded people, not regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They want to feed the flesh, so they reject anything edifying by God. This is the root of all false religion, the flesh, the carnally minded and driven person

So what is their response “they will turn their ears away from the truth and shall be turned unto fables” Most people don’t want to hear the truth because they want to feed their flesh, they reject the Word of God, they reject the foundational doctrines of Christianity, they deny the knowledge of the Holy Spirit. This is the state of most of Christianity, clear evidence we are at the end

So what is our response as Born Again Christians? The Apostle Paul tells us “be watchful in all things, endure affiliations and hardships, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Preach The Word

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I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

What is our job as Christians? Jesus commanded us with the Great Commision “Go and make disciples of all the nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit “ (Matthew 28:19) also “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) It’s clear our duty as servants of Christ is to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone!

The Apostle Paul is basically following these instructions given by The Lord, as he states “I charge or command you” Paul is not just making a suggestion to Timothy, he’s commanding him, to preach the Word of God, to remember everything that he has taught him, and Paul is doing this under the testimony of  God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ! Paul makes reference that Christ is coming back soon to judge everyone, Every knee will bow to The Lord (Philippians 2) Are you ready to stand before The Lord on judgment day?

What are our commands? “Preach the word, and be ready in and out of season” Regardless of where you are or who you are with, you must preach the gospel, this is our mission. As the Apostle Paul stated “How will they know without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) There is a harvest field out there , as Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37) Imagine if everyone who called themselves a Christian, actually obeyed The Lord and fulfilled the Great Commision?

Now one warning, you are going to go through seasons of great harvest and seasons of drought, as the Apostle Paul commanded “preach in and out of season” Even when it seems nobody is listening, when it seems everyone has a hard heart and dull ears, keep preaching the gospel, because the Word of God will never go void (Isaiah 55:11)

The Word of God is for our instruction and benefit, to rebuke, correct, instruct, warn, and to encourage. As a preacher we need to have patience and faithful teaching. The message of the gospel, can be difficult for people to hear and grasp for the first time, lead these people as a shepherd and guide them with truth on their walk with Christ. 

Preach the Word of God, in and out of season, wherever you go, make disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

2 Timothy 3- The Word of God

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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

There are people who will say “God never speaks to me” or will say “I wish God would speak to me”, well if you want God to talk to you, read the Word of God! The Bible is inspired and God breathed Word, its a supernatural book from our Creator and I guarantee if you read the Bible, it will change your life!

The problem with Christianity today, is many “Christians” have rejected or forsaken the Word of God. They deny the authority of scripture so they can make up their own doctrines and beliefs, they attack the Word of God to try and discredit it’s reliability and authenticity. The Bible should be the foundation of your Church and your life, when your Church denies the authority of scripture, this is when heresies and false doctrines creep into the Church

As the Apostle Paul reveals here “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God” let me repeat that again, All Scripture! There are people who like to pick and choose what verses they like from the Bible, and they will remove the verses they don’t like, this is more common than you think. But you must receive the entire Bible as the Word of God, not just a few books. Just because you don’t understand the scripture, doesn’t mean its not true. 

The Bible is a gift from God, his word delivered by the Holy Spirit to the prophets and apostles, persevered just for us. As the Apostle Paul says here “is profitable for doctrine, for instruction, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” The Bible is foundational for our faith, these are the instructions and teachings that were given to us by God to live our lives for Him! 

As the Apostle Peter stated “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21) The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets and the apostles to deliver to us the Holy Word of God. As The Lord Jesus confirmed this himself “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44) If you want to know who the real Jesus Christ is , read your BIble, the entire Bible reveals who Christ truly is!

Why do we need to read your Bible? As the Apostle Paul says “so the Man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” You need to be trained by the Holy Spirit, in order to do that you must read the words from the Holy Spirit! I will end with the words by Christ himself “Man can’t live on bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) Amen!

2 Timothy 3- Grounded in Scripture

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But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:13-15

If you look at the state of Christianity, from just 50 years ago, it’s amazing how far many have fallen from the foundation of our faith. Many heresies and false teachers have invaded the Church, many people are deceived, many people are false converts, not even knowing the true Risen Lord. However as the Apostle Paul prophesied here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, none of this is a surprise to God, infact it was expected!

As Paul warns here “evil men and seducers or imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” The imposters that have overtaken the pulpits are so deceived, they even deceive themselves. As the Apostle Paul predicted , this will happen in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 4) This is one of the signs , we are living in the last days. The great apostasy has flooded the Church, God is using this to separate the sheep and the goats, the wheat from the chaff, the saved from the unsaved.

But Paul credits Timothy “but you must continue in the things you have learned” True believers will hold fast to the Word of God, that does not change, that is the same today, yesterday, and forever. Don’t be deceived by false doctrine and false teachers, remain grounded in the Word of God, that was delivered by the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets. The Word that was spoken directly by God in the flesh, Jesus Christ, this is your foundation, not the wisdom of the world which is doctrines of demons

But many people fall away, as scripture says “My people perish from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6) Many people are false converts, claiming the name of Christ but never becoming Born Again in Christ. Never having a new heart and new mind, having the law written on their hearts, having the Holy Spirit live inside of them. They are dry bones dead in the valley, without the Breath of God, there is no life in them!

So what do we do? Notice how Paul credits Timothy’s faith “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures (The Bible) , which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” Timothy was grounded in the Word of God, which he learned since he was a child. Be grounded in the BIble, know the Word of God and you won’t be deceived by the demons of deception.

By most importantly, Timothy had complete faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, his salvation wasn’t dependant on any man-made works so anyone should boast, his salvation is in Christ alone, Amen

2 Timothy 3- Victory in Jesus

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But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:10-12

Previous verses the Apostle Paul revealed what false Christians would look like, they were depraved, beyond understanding as they were consumed by their own carnal desires. Our scriptures today, show us what a real Christian should look like, or what your walk with Christ will be like. As I continually quote, Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, deny yourself, carry your cross, and follow Jesus” (Matthew 16:24)

As the Apostle Paul states “you have fully known and followed my doctrine (The Word of God), manner of life, purpose, faith , patience and love” You believe and obey the Words of God, also you produce fruits of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7, Galatians 5) The Holy Spirit is living inside of you, and everyone can see Christ living inside of you. There is no question to the world if you are a Christian or not, you are clearly demonstrated by the way you live your life for Christ. 

Now the Apostle Paul turns to the difficult side of our Christian walk that most won’t talk about, persecution and afflictions. As Paul testified he has suffered and endured as a Apostle of Christ, “but out of them all The Lord delivered me” This is not your best life now, this will be your worst life now as a real Christian. However this is the only Hell you will ever know, remember that. You will suffer and be persecuted as a Christian, because the world hates the real Jesus of the Bible (John 15:18)

However understand that God will never leave or forsake you, even though you will suffer for the Kingdom of God, you will be delivered for the glory of God. Now you might say I don’t want to suffer or be persecuted , the Apostle Paul says “ all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” Notice the Apostle Paul didn’t exempt any Christians, if you want to live a life for Christ, you will be persecuted by the world for Christ!

But understand this, we already have victory in Jesus Christ! Regardless of what the world does to us, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Live for Jesus and not for this world, Amen!