Facing Perilous Times
2 Timothy 3:1-5
1. RECOGNIZING THE LAST DAYS (vv. 1-4).
2. THE COUNTERFIET GODLINESS, ONE EVIDENCE (v. 5).
3. TURNING AWAY FROM THE COUNTERFEIT TO GODLINESS (v. 5).
– Tim A. Blankenship
Sunday
Through the Bible in a Year – 090813
Our Relationship to the Time We Live
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 3:1-5
1. DO NOT BE SHAKEN OR TROUBLED (2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2).
2. A FALLING AWAY SHOULD BE EXPECTED (v. 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-5).
3. PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER AND THOSE IN LEADERSHIP (2 Thes. 3:1).
4. PRAY FOR THE WORD OF GOD TO MOVE FREELY (3:1).
5. PATIENTLY AWAIT THE COMING OF CHRIST (3:5).
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A Token of God’s Righteous Judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
1. THANKFULNESS FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS (v. 3).
2. A GROWING FAITH (v. 3).
3. PATIENT FAITH IN PERSECUTION AND TRIALS (vv. 4-5).
4. THE VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS (vv. 6-10).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – evening 082513
Fear the LORD
Proverbs 1 – 12
1. THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE (Proverbs 1:7-9).
2. KEEPS THE INSTRUCTION GIVEN AND TRUST THE LORD (3:1-6; 7:1-5).
3. IS AWARE OF THE THINGS WHICH THE LORD HATES (6:12-10).
4. LOVES KNOWLEDGE AND INSTRUCTION (12:1-4).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 082513
Always Faithful
1. APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF OTHERS WHO ARE FAITHFUL (Colossians 1:3-8).
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIDDEN TREASURES WHICH ARE IN CHRIST (2:1-3)
3. PUT TO DEATH THE WORKS OF THE FLESH (3:5-11).
4. APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF YOUR FELLOW SERVANTS AND WORKERS (4:7-11).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 081113
Fellowship With GOD
Ephesians 3 – 6
1. WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD WITHIN (Ephesians 3:20-21).
2. WALKING WORTHY OF OUR VOCATION (4:1-3)
3. UNDERSTANDING THE WILL OF THE LORD (5:11-17).
4. LIVING OBEDIENTLY AND EXPECTANTLY (6:1-4)
EVENING MESSAGE-
Christians Blessing the LORD
Psalms 89 – 108
1. CHRISTIANS KNOW THE JOYFUL SOUND (Psalm 89:15-18).
2. CHRISTIANS KNOW THE SOVEREIGN POWER OF THE LORD (Psalm 93:1-5; 97:1-7).
3. CHRISTIANS KNOW THE FUTURE OF OUR GOD (Psalm 102:12-17; 103:1-5).
4. CHRISTIANS KNOW THE POWER, MERCY AND GRACE OF THE ALMIGHTY (Psalm 106:6-12).
5. CHRISTIANS BLESS THE LORD WITH THEIR LIVES OF PRAISE (Psalm 108:1-6).
The Case Against God’s People
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. Known for that because of his mourning for the sins of the people of Judah, and Jerusalem. He sees the failings of the priesthood, of which he was part. The weaknesses, the hypocrisies, and often blatant lies and deceptions; not only among the priests but among those who called themselves prophets of God.
God could speak with Jeremiah. Jeremiah heard, and many times responded to what God said. Hear what God says to Jeremiah near the beginning of his ministry;
“Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of His increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.'” Jeremiah 2:1-3 (KJV)
God begins in the first message by confirming them in their first belief. They had followed, at least through Abraham, had been obedient in the wilderness, and had grown in love with the LORD. There was kindness, fondness, love in their hearts for the LORD, realizing that He alone was responsible for their having a land, a promise. They had been chosen from the place of God’s amazing grace and mercy. They were undeserving. They were unworthy. They were sinners among the other sinners of the earth. There was nothing special about them, thus in there early days they loved the LORD.
Despite the fact of their departure the LORD reminds them of His promise, “All that devour him will offend; disaster will come upon them,’ says the LORD”. No one can expect God’s blessing who lifts their hand against the people, the nation, whom God ordained to give us the Scriptures, ordinances, and laws. Yet there is room for His judgment. Pray for Jerusalem – Israel.
As Christians we must remember our “First love”. That love we had for Jesus when we first believed. The things of the world around us have a power which can lure us away from loving Him. God commended five of the early churches of the Revelation, but would only condemn two of them because they had departed from Him.
If you truly know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then, there was a time when you walked with Him, you loved Him, cherished Him, and it did not bother you that there were times He seemed distant, but you trusted His Word when He said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
Something has happened in the past few days, weeks, months, or years that have caused you to get away from Him, His Word, from praying, and cherishing His abiding presence. You have become more consumed with sports, entertainment, comforts, leisure, conveniences, and even family activities, than with your walk with Him. It is time to return to Him, before the judgment of your sin comes on you.
He puts His protecting hand on all who have trusted Him. You can believe He will keep you, protect you, and anyone who raises an evil hand against you will suffer by His hand. Be assured God loves you with an everlasting love. Enjoy it, revel in it, rejoice in it, and He will be glorified.
-by Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – e080413
GOD as Our Refuge
1. HE BRINGS HIS PEOPLE THROUGH TROUBLES TO A WEALTHY PLACE (Psalm 66:8-12).
2. HE HEARS THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 71:7-13; 80:1-7).
3. HE ESTABLISHES HIS TESTIMONY AND HIS LAW IN HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 78:1-8).
4. HE IS WORTHY OF THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 81:1-7).
5. HE IS MORE GLORIOUS THAN ZION OR HIS DWELLING PLACES (Psalm 87:1-3).
Through the Bible in a Year – 080413
The Christian and the Holy Spirit
1. SALVATION IS A WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD; NOT OF THE FLESH (Galations 3:1-5).
2. SANCTIFICATION IS THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD; OUR GROWTH (Galations 4:1-7)..
3. LIVING IN THE SPIRIT OF GOD PRODUCES FRUIT; OUR EVIDENCE (Galations 5:22-26).
4. THE SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN WILL SEEK THE RESTORATION OF FALLEN BRETHREN; OUR LOVE (Galations 6:1).
W4CL – Power
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
The human race is consumed by power. People who want to have control over others; many of them are called politicians who are out to get all the power they can. Many are preachers and pastors who desire to rule the Church they lead – sadly.
There is something the Christian must realize and that is that all power belongs to the Creator. It is wonderful for the Christian to daily focus, fellowship with, and have faith in the One who is All-Powerful (Omnipotent). It is a glorious thing to know that we have the One who empowered the life of Jesus as He walked on earth living within us too. “…The power that worketh in us…”
How much power do we have? All that is His; is ours. Let us walk with Him, and it will be used rightly.
W4CL – Faith
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Galations 3:1-5 (KJV)
The Church of Galatia was foolish enough they were beginning to rely on works, maybe it was sacraments – baptism, the Lord’s Supper [Communion], etc. – for salvation. Paul calls them “Foolish” and “Bewitched” or deceived.
It is faith that moves mountains. It is only the grace of God through faith that saves, and it is God alone who gives faith.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
Note that grace and faith are a “Gift of God”. The gift that has been given us the death of God’s only Son Jesus Christ on the cross. His burial and bodily resurrection confirms the work of grace. Faith believes God, and lives for Him and His glory.
The Word for Christian Living to day is Faith.
Words for Christian Living – Edification
“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.” 2 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)
A lot of times as a pastor, preacher of the gospel there will be times things within the Church, the local congregation you lead with strike up a hot response in your heart. There are things that go on sometimes that ought to make us angry. We see a family angry at another family; one member mad with another member; and they are casting insults at one another. Maybe one member maligning another when the other being maligned is not guilty of much, or anything that is being charged. It could be a member you know is in personal sin. These things should cause some anger, with self-control [temperance] from the pastor, preacher.
In the above verse Paul has expressed that he should use “Sharpness” or “Severe reproofs and censures… the exercise of the apostolic rod” (John Gill Commentary e-Sword). You will note his words though “To edification”. It should never be the intent of correction, reproof, rebuke to destroy; but to always edify. To build up takes more effort than tearing down. Sometimes tearing down is necessary, but the ultimate end is for “Edification”
Through the Bible in a Year – 071413
The Poverty of Christ: Our Riches
I. We Are Changed Into the Image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
II. Having Received Mercy, We Do not Quit (2 Corinthians 4:1-2).
III. Our Confidence is in the Work of Christ and His Word (2 Corinthians 5:6-11).
IV. The Most Important Time is… NOW (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Exodus 3:13-15).
V. Our Motivation for Being Holy are the Promises of GOD (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:2-3).
VI. In His Poverty We are Made Rich – His Poverty; Our Riches (2 Corinthians 8:7-9).
Words for Christian Living – Giving
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, ‘He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.’ Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV)
Paul the apostle was sending a delegation to Corinth to pick up a promised donation to the Jerusalem Christians. He sent this message to thank them for their generosity; and to encourage them in their giving.
For the Christian giving is not a dread; it is a blessing. We are giving back to God recognizing our Blessers blessings. Every Christian is a giver. Every Christian should enjoy giving.
There are many places crying out for help, for money. Where should the Christian give. The main place should be to and through your local congregation. “God loves a cheerful giver.”
Words for Christian Living – You Are Changed
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
We do not have a clear understanding in what all the above verse. We will not until we see Jesus face to face. What a day; for the one who is in Christ Jesus; that will be.
Notice if you will that it does not say “…Will change…” as though it were some future event. It says “…Are changed…” as in presently changed, and continual changing is most likely meant. Meaning that we are being prepared for that day when we will see Jesus; with “…the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.”
He is working in you to bring you to a complete and finished work (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17); His glory. Every Christian desires to be what the Lord wants them to be.
Words for Christian Living – Enduring Love
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)
This “Charity” is the love God has for us. It is love that we as Christians are to have for one another, and others outside the Body of Christ. How much does God love us? Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay a debt that was mine and yours to pay.
The charity we show is not selfish; seeking something in return, but the glory of God. If we will practice this love there would be more marriages that will endure the tests of time. Practicing this love of God there would be less rejoicing in iniquity; and more rejoicing in the truth. This love “Endures all things”; but that does not mean we do not pray for change.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living – Known of Him
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (KJV)
Knowledge is a wonderful thing. It is a blessing we have received from our Creator. Paul was speaking to a Church living in a profligate society; and the sad thing is they were also participating in that society; living as where no one could tell the difference from Christian and non-Christian.
To love God is more important than “Knowledge”; and the one who loves God is “Known of Him”. One can be “Known of Him” only by way of God’s way. That is the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ Jesus is the only way to God; to love God, and to be “Known of Him”.
There will be some who will say, “Well, I thought God knew everyone.” He knows who you are; He knows your name; He knows every detail about your life. However, to be “Known of Him” is an intimate, personal relationship where both God and you walk together. It is God’s salvation.
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
-Tim A. Blankenship
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“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 (KJV)
Remember your earthly father today. It is Father’s Day. Even more remember him, honor him every day. Children it begins with being obedient to the instructions, and direction he gives you.
Fathers be sure to be an encouragement and blessing to your children. If you constantly berate, belittle, and criticize them you will drive them away. Nurture them in the love of the LORD. With the same grace you have received be gracious to your children.
Happy Father’s Day.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 060913
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
Words for Christian Living 060213
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Romans 14:1-7 (KJV)
On the matter of “Doubtful disputations” or “Disputes over doubtful things” the MacArthur Study Bible note says, “Better translated, ‘for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions (or scruples).’ The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer’s conduct.”
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 021713
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
The Greatest Act of Service
Mark 12 – 16
1. Loving God and loving your neighbor (12:28-34);
2. Preparing others for what will come (13:5-13);
3. Receives the blessing of others who recognize who He is (14:1-11);
4. Gives the ultimate gift – His life for others (15:15-21);
5. Rises victorious over sin, death, hell, the grave; and justifies all who will believe (16:1-8).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 020313
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
The Destination to Worship of GOD
Exodus 19 – 37 focus 19:1-9; 37:25-29
1. God’s Direction and Man’s Good Intentions (19:1-9)
A. God commands obedience in worship.
B. Man intends worship, and fails at obedience.
2. God Provides the Law and Commandments; Man is Religious (chapter 20:1-21)
3. God Provides for Worship Through Sacrifice and the Tabernacle in the Wilderness (chapters 24-31)
4. God is Gracious Through the Disobedience of His People (chapter32)
5. God renews His Promises, and Gives Plans for the Building of the Altar of Prayer (chapter 37).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 012013 Evening
The King Building His Kingdom
Matthew 13 – 19
1. What the Kingdom is like (chapter 13);
2. The King Provides for the Subjects of His Kingdom (chapter 14);
3. The Challengers of the Kingdom (chapter 15);
4. The Doubters within the Kingdom (chapter 16);
5. The Power and the Glory of the Kingdom (chapter 17);
6. The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (chapter 18);
7. Those Who will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven (chapter 19).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Through the Bible in a Year – 012013
Healing Broken Relationships
Genesis 33 – 50
1. Jacob and Esau (chapters33-36);
2. Joseph and Brothers at Odds over Dreams (chapters 37 – 38);
3. Joseph with Purpose in Egypt (chapters 39 – 41);
4. Joseph Trys his Brothers (chapters 42 – 44);
5. Joseph, His Father and His Brothers Reunited (chapters 45 – 48)
6. A Promise and a Coffin in Egypt (chapters 49 – 50).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Where Your Treasure Is
“And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, ‘Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.’ And Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, ‘I have made Abram rich:’ save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.'” Genesis 14:21-24 (KJV)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
In our verses today we have Abram (Later Abraham) having returned from a victorious battle to retrieve some captives, his nephew Lot and family, and others with goods that had also been taken by the captors. The king of Sodom wishes to bless Abram with the “goods”, but Abram refuses, confessing to the king that his blessing comes from the Most High God (El ElYon). He refused reward for himself, lest the king should say “I have made Abram rich”. Abram was in fact already “rich”, yet realized where his blessing came from. Do we?
In Matthew’s gospel Jesus tells us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. What do we cling to? What do we cherish most? Is it our children? Our grandchildren? Our income; or lack of income? What holds our hearts and minds? We all have a treasure. However, what is our treasure?
The treasure that matters most for eternity should be the Most High God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 