The Characteristics of a Spirtual Leader (Part 1)
Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Throughout the Old Testament there are several individuals who are referred to by the noble title “Man of God”—Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and various lesser known prophets (e.g. 1 Kings 13:1-26). Thus, when Paul uses this same term to refer to Timothy it communicates his very high regard for the young pastor. Paul, though, is not trying to flatter Timothy, instead he trying to exhort and encourage him to persevere in his pursuit of “godliness”. This same word of exhortation and encouragement could surely be given to all disciples of Jesus Christ regardless of...
Read MoreThe Danger of Loving Money
Text: 1st Timothy 6:6-10 What should the attitude of the Christian be towards money? Well, it is certainly one of the necessary things of life that is used to purchase food, clothing, transportation, shelter, and services of various kinds. It is also used to bless others by meeting their needs. Moreover, we are commanded by God to regularly bring our tithe into the Lord’s house and thereby receive his blessing. Yet, we should also know that money can be a temptation, and snare and a pathway that leads to our own destruction. Jesus warned his disciples “No one can serve two...
Read MoreI Lift Up My Eyes
Text: Psalm 121:1-8 Every year each Israelite male was required by the Lord to make three pilgrimages to Jerusalem; for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (see Exodus 23:14-17, 34:22-24; and Deuteronomy 16:16-17). As Israel’s borders grew it became very difficult to make these lengthy journeys, and so it was customary for the people from the outlying areas to go Jerusalem only once a year. The Law did not require women and children to make this arduous trip, however in many devout households all family members would go. You may remember that the Lord Jesus went on one of these pilgrimages...
Read MoreThe Marks of a False Teacher
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If you know your Bible well, then you can spot a false teacher by his doctrinal aberrations and irregularities (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:8-9; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 Peter 2:1-22; and Jude 4, 8-16). But what sort of marks does the false teacher manifest in his character? Apparently, the Apostle Paul was concerned that Timothy, the young pastor, and the church in Ephesus might not be able to spot a false teacher until it was too late and the damage had already been done! In this particular passage Paul identifies certain marks in a...
Read MoreCalvin on the Word
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2009/mp3/2009_10_4_calvin_on_the_word.mp3[/podcast] Guest Preacher: Pastor Conrad Cheatham...
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