Sunday Messages - Sheboygan eFree Church Sunday Messages

Often, in our daily lives, we have to work for what we have. We know that we are successful when we do the hard work and good things come our way. And aren’t we entitled to those good things? After all, we earned them! But God’s economy is different—even, unconventional. God’s most important gift can’t be earned. In fact, it’s given to those who couldn’t possibly deserve it! And our progress as disciples of Jesus isn’t measured by ease but by how we respond to the trials of life. Today, we’ll look to Romans 5:1-11, where the Apostle Paul explains God’s unconventional plan for our salvation and growth—a plan that positions us to point others to Jesus!

Pastor Brown walks us through this passage in Ephesians and discusses what it means to be a wise Christ-follower.

In this passage of Scripture, we find the Apostle Paul penning his thoughts in a highly reflective state of mind. As he nears the finish line of his ministry, matters of time seem to be at the forefront of his thinking. The past, present, and future elements of life are condensed into three picturesque verses. In the past, churches have been planted, leaders have been trained, sufferings have been endured, and imprisonments have been experienced. Through it all, Christ was glorified.

In the present, Paul describes himself as being poured out as a drink offering. As he peers into the future, he states the time of my departure has come. He speaks of the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award him on that Day. He is conscious that he is nearing the finish line of the race set before him. Paul is determined to honor his Lord and end well. May this be the goal of our lives as well.

In this passage of Scripture, we find the Apostle Paul penning his thoughts in a highly reflective state of mind. As he nears the finish line of his ministry, matters of time seem to be at the forefront of his thinking. The past, present, and future elements of life are condensed into three picturesque verses. In the past, churches have been planted, leaders have been trained, sufferings have been endured, and imprisonments have been experienced. Through it all, Christ was glorified.

In the present, Paul describes himself as being poured out as a drink offering. As he peers into the future, he states the time of my departure has come. He speaks of the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award him on that Day. He is conscious that he is nearing the finish line of the race set before him. Paul is determined to honor his Lord and end well. May this be the goal of our lives as well.

In our passage today, the faithful Bible teacher is commissioned: “tell us what God has to say,” or, “preach the Word of God.” It’s crucial that the whole church listen to what Paul says to Timothy here because it outlines the measure of faithfulness for every pastor/teacher at all times.

In our passage today, the faithful Bible teacher is commissioned: “tell us what God has to say,” or, “preach the Word of God.” It’s crucial that the whole church listen to what Paul says to Timothy here because it outlines the measure of faithfulness for every pastor/teacher at all times.

Luke 23:44-49 offers us perspective regarding the final three hours of Christ’s experience on the cross. Just before darkness descended upon the land, Jesus found strength to assure a repentant criminal on an adjacent cross with the words Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (23:43).  Furthermore, John describes our Lord’s provision for his mother by arranging for John to offer her care and support (John 19:26-27).

As our perfect substitute, we recognize that Jesus did not die in sin, but rather for our sins. Christ’s finished work on the cross means that nothing can be added to nor substituted from what our Savior secured. As the Apostle John noted, Jesus said It is finished, then bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30). As we prepare our hearts for receiving the communion elements, reflect upon the significance of Christ’s finished work.

As the Apostle Paul passes on the baton of pastoral responsibility to the next generation of leadership, he reminds Timothy of what is changeless in changing times. Wisely, the Apostle Paul draws Timothy’s attention to the Word of God. In 3:16, Paul begins to develop the classic statement regarding the inspiration of Scripture with the words All Scripture is breathed out by God. At this point in time, the Scriptures pertained to the Older Testament, with Paul emphasizing that they have their origin in God.

We will be examining the purposes of the Scriptures in this passage. Note that they are profitable. Each purpose described in this passage is prefaced by the word for. We’ll observe that they are profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. The intended result of investing time studying God’s Word is that we will be complete, equipped for every good work. This morning let’s study God’s Word together, as we continue in our worship of him.

In 2 Timothy, Paul emphasizes God’s sovereignty: he saves the elect (2:10), he knows those who genuinely belong to him (2:19), he ‘may grant’ repentance to opponents (2:25-26), and, in all their rebellion, it is certain that false teachers ‘will not get very far’ (3:9).

In our study today (3:10-13), we see a description of a godly life complete with content, tripping hazards, and ongoing opposition. Note that Paul never asks the “why” question about godly suffering. Instead, he underscores the endurance and power that accompanies maturing godliness, and the certainty that, under God’s gracious sovereignty, “the Lord rescues” the godly from every persecution (3:11).

As we look at Mark 10:13-22 today, we discover that Jesus addresses the question about who can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

He explains that only those who recognize their weakness and helplessness and submit fully to the God of Heaven will enter.