1 Timothy 2:8-15

If I were convinced by the egalitarian reading of the scriptures, this would be why. A topical sermon that begins in 1 Timothy 2, but covers this theme from Genesis through the New Testament.

1 Timothy 2:8-15

If I were convinced by the complementarian reading of the scriptures, this would be why - a topical sermon that begins in 1 Timothy 2, but covers this theme from Genesis through the NT.

1 Timothy 1:18-2:7

What we believe matters, therefore who teaches us and what they teach us matters!

1 Timothy 1:3-17

It’s nice to just focus on Jesus, but very quickly we must say accurate things about Jesus, which leads to needing to say accurate things about Father, Son & Holy Spirit. And we need to have accurate understanding about the nature of God’s revelation to us in nature, in the scriptures and through the church. Further, bad doctrine, and poor, inadequate understanding on these points have led many people to disaster!

For example …the environment around Mecca, that led to the rise of Islam… the emergence of Christian cults… the heresies of the first centuries that replicate today. So, let’s hold securely to Jesus and walk carefully, as we choose that which we will believe and that which we must reject.

Augustine - "in essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity."

1 Timothy 1:1-2

Timothy mentored under and travelled with Paul for many years. They were partners in ministry and Timothy had become part of a very talented and successful ministry team that planted churches all around the Mediterranean world. Therefore, it is unlikely that the content of this letter was “new information” for Timothy and more likely that it’s encouragement, reminder and endorsement of Timothy & his leadership to the church in Ephesus. Who are the mentors in your life? Who are on your ministry team or who are you ministering with? What team are you on?

The Body of Christ is a team and not a solo venture. We need one another!

Luke 18:1-8

As we anticipate the new year that has just begun, how is God calling you to pray? Persistently? Fervently? For Justice. For faith! “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Luke 18:1

As we review and process the year that is coming to a conclusion, where has God demonstrated His presence and faithfulness to you?

Someone has said "charity begins at home", but the harsh reality is that it often ends there as well. But there is something about Christmas that often loosens our grip.

James 1:17

The gifts under the tree ...the gift of friendship ...the gift of family ...the gift of love — they all point to THE GIFT Himself. James 1:17 “All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.”

1 John 3:1-2 NLT

Christmas is Family…it’s a nice statement, if you have family. If you are a follower of Jesus you do have family! We are your family. Now, family, are you watching out for those who may be alone or forgotten?

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”