DESPERATE HOPE

DESPERATE HOPE

Matthew 8: 1-4

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

 

Matthew 8: 1-4 (ESV)

1  When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2  And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”  3  And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4  And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

 

Matthew 8:2 (ESV)

2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

The Leper’s Problem

The Leper’s Passion

The Leper’s Plea

 

Our Lord’s Compassion

Matthew 8:3 (ESV)

3  And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

 

Our Lord’s Command

Matthew 8:4 (ESV)

4  And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Romans 8:31-32 (ESV)
31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)
34  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

 

 

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WHO IS THIS?

WHO IS THIS?

Mark 4: 35-41

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

 

THE CALAMITY AND THE QUESTION

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)

35  On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

 

He is the CREATIVE CHRIST

John 1:1-5 (ESV)

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  He was in the beginning with God. 3  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4  In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
16  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

 

He is the CHRISTMAS CHRIST

John 1:14 (ESV)

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
4  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

 

He is the COMPASSIONATE CHRIST

Luke 4:38-40 (ESV)

38  And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39  And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40  Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

 

He is the CRUCIFIED CHRIST

Mark 15:33-39 (ESV)

33  And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35  And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36  And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37  And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39  And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
21  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 53:3-6 (ESV)
3  He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

John 19:28-30 (ESV)
28  After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29  A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30  When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

He is the CONQUERING CHRIST

Acts 1:6-11 (ESV)

6  So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9  And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10  And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11  and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

 

 

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PRAYING FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE

PRAYING FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE

Acts 12:1-19

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

 

INTENSIVE DILEMMA

Acts 12:1-5 (ESV)

1  About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2  He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3  and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.  4  And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5  So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

 

INCREDIBLE RESCUE

Acts 12:6-11 (ESV)

6  Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8  And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9  And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10  When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11  When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

 

IMPOSSIBLE ANSWER

Acts 12:12-17 (ESV)

12  When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13  And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14  Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15  They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16  But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17  But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

 

IMMEDIATE PANIC

Acts 12:18-19 (ESV)

18  Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19  And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

 

INTENTIONAL PRAYER

Acts 12:5 (ESV)
5  So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)
11  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

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THE MAN UP A TREE

THE MAN UP A TREE

Luke 19: 1-10

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

 

A MAN  BECOMES A CHILD

Luke 19:1-4 (ESV)
1  He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2  And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.

 

A SEEKING MAN BECOMES FOUND

Luke 19:5-7 (ESV)

5  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6  So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7  And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
20  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

 

A SMALL MAN BECOMES BIG

Luke 19:8 (ESV)

8  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

 

A NEEDY MAN BECOMES RICH

Luke 19:9-10 (ESV)

9  And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  10  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Galatians 3:6-7 (ESV)
6  just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” 7  Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Ezekiel 34:16 (ESV)
16  I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV)
6  “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
7  let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

 

 

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You want me to do WHAT, Lord?

You want me to do WHAT, Lord?

1 Kings 17:1-7

by Rev. Ernest Dyck

 

 

1 Kings 17:1-7 (NASB)
1  Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2  The word of the LORD came to him, saying, 3  “Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4  “It shall be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” 5  So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 6  The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.

James 5:17-18 (NASB)
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for 3 years and 6 months.  Then he prayed again,
and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

1 Kings 16:34 (NASB)
34  In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.

 

1 Kings 17: 7 (NASB)                                                                                                                      7  It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

 

1.  It does not matter where you come from in the Christian life.

2.  Great opportunities sometimes lead to hibernation for growth.

3.  The will of God is not always glamorous.

4.  The natural laws of man do not always bend around the church.

5.  Do not run when your brook runs dry.

 

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THE JOY OF GRACIOUS GIVING

Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

THE JOY OF

GRACIOUS GIVING

Philippians 4:10-23

 

 

THE POWER OF GOD 
Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)

10  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
9  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

THE PROMISE OF GOD
Philippians 4:14-20 (ESV)

14  Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15  And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16  Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18  I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (ESV)
1  We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2  for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

Luke 6:38 (ESV)
38  give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
9  Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10  then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
6  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

 

THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Philippians 4:21-23 (ESV)

21  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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THE JOY OF A HOLY PERSPECTIVE

Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

THE JOY OF

A HOLY PERSPECTIVE

Philippians 3:17 – 4:9

 

 

RIGHT VIEWPOINT
Philippians 3:17-4:1 (ESV)

17  Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18  For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
4:1  Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
1  Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
19  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
20  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

 

RIGHT FELLOWSHIP
Philippians 4:2-4 (ESV)

2  I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Luke 10:19-20 (ESV)
19  Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
20  Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Revelation 21:27 (ESV)
27  But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

 

RIGHT PRAYING
Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
6  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

 

RIGHT THINKING
Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
3  You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
1  If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.   4  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

 

 

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THE JOY OF A FORWARD LEANING LIFE

Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

THE JOY OF

A FORWARD LEANING LIFE

Philippians 3:1-16

 

 

PAUL’S CREDENTIALS
Philippians 3:1-6 (ESV)

1  Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2  Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3  For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4  though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6  as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

 

PAUL’S CORRECTION
Philippians 3:7-11 (ESV)

7  But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Romans 3:21-24 (ESV)
21  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

 

PAUL’S COMMITMENT
Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)

12  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
16  Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Acts 9:15 (ESV)
15  But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (ESV)
6  For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
1  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

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THE JOY OF A SUBMISSIVE MIND

Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

THE JOY OF A SUBMISSIVE MIND

Philippians 2:12-30

 

 

IN AND OUT
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)

12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)
1  Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

BE A CONTRAST
Philippians 2:14-18 (ESV)

14  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
17  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Colossians 1:25-29 (ESV)
25  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26  the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27  To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28  Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

 

NOBODY LIKE TIM
Philippians 2:19-24 (ESV)

19  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
20  For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
21  For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22  But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23  I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24  and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

 

HONOR YOUR MESSENGER
Philippians 2:25-30 (ESV)

25  I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26  for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27  Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28  I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29  So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30  for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

 

 

 

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THE JOY OF GREAT EXAMPLE

Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

 

THE JOY OF GREAT EXAMPLE

Philippians 2:1-11

 

 

A HUMBLE HEART
Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)

1  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV)
25  But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26  It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27  and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28  even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 13:1-5 (ESV)
1  Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2  During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4  rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 

AN AWESTRUCK HEART
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)

5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

John 1:1-3 (ESV)
1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  He was in the beginning with God. 3  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV)
1  Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV)
15  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

 

A WORSHIPING HEART
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
18  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Romans 10:8-10 (ESV)
8  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
9  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

 

 

 

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