11/16/13

From Ben Fronczek.... Easter 2012 How Much Do You Love HIM?







Easter 2012 How Much Do You Love HIM?

Easter 2012  – How Much Do You Love HIM?                                              
To begin with I just want you to know that this lesson will not be a traditional Easter sermon. I have to tell you that after reading a new book last month, my prayers life as well as how I view Christianity has changed a bit. Whether we realizes it or not, because we live in this great country as Christians, we are richly blessed. But I’ve also learned that most of us take our freedom of religion for granted and many don’t even see it as all that important. Most of us are so sheltered in this country, that we do not know what’s going on in other Christian circles around the world.

For example, for many in this country Easter is one of those few days a year they go to church. It’s a holiday to buy a new dress and eat Easter goodies go to church and have a nice meal afterwards. But that’s not so for many other Christians around this planet.

To begin with I have to apologize for the graphic nature of this lesson today. I can’t be helped. It may not be easy to hear but I have a reason for presenting it today. I hope that it will change some of your perspectives on how you treat others, even those who trouble you. I hope that it will change your prayers life. I hope that give you a renewed feeling of love and hope that we should have as a Christian. And I hope that each of you will take one of these books and read it to open your eyes to what’s going on around the world.

This book was written by Richard Wurmbrand, who was at first was a non-believer but eventually became a minister who would heroically serve Jesus as the communism took control of his country, Romania.  Many in this generation know little about Communism, Communistic countries, what they believe, and how severely they can oppress a nation. So few of us do not know what is happening to our brothers and sister in Christ who live in communistic countries even today. That’s what this book is all about. The name of the book is Tortured for Christ. But don’t be deceived by the name. The book contains so much more than stories about torture.
When we think of Christian martyrs many of us think of those Christians that were killed by the Romans in the first two or three centuries after Christ. But did you know that today around the world over 160,000 Christian are tortured and killed in an average each year because of their faith Christ? More Christians have been martyred in the past 100 years than all of the 1900 years prior. Did you know that there are over 50 countries today that persecute Christian believers. N. Korea is the worst, Saudi Arabia, holds the 2nd spot,  then Iran, and all the other Muslim countries. And then there are all the atheistic, communist countries: China, Vietnam, many many others. And then the severe persecution that takes place in India, and still in Russia. I would like to show you a new report and then a music video. I warn you, if you can’t watch please listen.

IMPORTANT: Please click on and Watch Why the west don’t hear about Christian Persecution video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb464pTKjOs&feature=related
Also please click on and watch  We are Christians Just the Same video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQo7jGOJmt4

This is hard to watch. It is hard for me to believe that this is actually taking place. But there are some things that these videos are not showing that are found in this book. I believe these things are important for you to know and so I have posted the following excerpts from the book:

#1. Despite the horror we seen in the broadcasts, in these countries where there is great persecution, Christianity is spreading like wild fire. It doesn’t matter how much they are beat and abused, these people are spiritually starving to death. They need to know more about God and desire to worship Him and Jesus. And they also feel compelled to share the good news, even if it means torture. I have read story after story where people are just so grateful, they sing and dance after learning about Jesus and what He has done for them.

“For me, to preach the gospel to the Russians is heaven on earth. I have preached the gospel to men of many nations, but I have never seen a people drink in the gospel like the Russians. They have such thirsty souls.
An Orthodox priest, a friend of mine, telephoned me and told me that a Russian officer had come to him to confess. My friend did not know Russian. However, knowing that I speak Russian, he had given him my address. The next day this man came to see me. He longed for God, but he had never seen a Bible. He had no religious education and never attended reli­gious services (churches in Russia then were very scarce). He loved God without the slightest knowledge of Him.
I read to him the Sermon on the Mount and the parables of Jesus. After hearing them, he danced around the room in rapturous joy proclaiming, “What a wonderful beauty! How could I live without knowing this Christ!” It was the first time that I saw someone so joyful in Christ.
Then I made a mistake. I read to him the passion and cru­cifixion of Christ, without having prepared him for this. He had not expected it and, when he heard how Christ was beat­en, how He was crucified and that in the end He died, he fell into an armchair and began to weep bitterly. He had believed in a Savior and now his Savior was dead!
I looked at him and was ashamed. I had called myself a Christian, a pastor, and a teacher of others, but I had never shared the sufferings of Christ as this Russian officer now shared them. Looking at him, it was like seeing Mary Magdalene weeping at the foot of the cross, faithfully weeping when Jesus was a corpse in the tomb.
Then I read to him the story of the resurrection and watched his expression change. He had not known that his Savior arose from the tomb. When he heard this wonderful news, he beat his knees and swore—using very dirty, but very “holy” profan­ity. This was his crude manner of speech. Again he rejoiced, shouting for joy, “He is alive! He is alive!” He danced around the room once more, overwhelmed with happiness!”  (Tortured for Christ Pg 17-18)

#2. These videos don’t show you how these people feel toward their persecutors. The following excerpt shed som light on what was going on in their heart.

“When one Christian was sentenced to death, he was al­lowed to see his wife before being executed. His last words to his wife were, “You must know that I die loving those who kill me. They don’t know what they do and my last request of you is to love them, too. Don’t have bitterness in your heart be­cause they killed your beloved one. We will meet in heaven.” These words impressed the officer of the secret police who attended the discussion between the two. He later told me the story in prison where he had been sent for becoming a Christian.”
“I have seen Christians in Communist prisons with fifty pounds of chains on their feet, tortured with red-hot iron pok­ers, in whose throats spoonfuls of salt had been forced, being kept afterward without water, starv­ing, whipped, suffering from cold —and praying with fervor for the Communists. This is humanly in­explicable! It is the love of Christ, which was poured out in our hearts.
Later, the Communists who had tortured us were sent to prison, too. Under communism, Communists, and even Communist rulers, are put in prison almost as often as their adversaries. Now the tortured and the torturer were in the same cell. And while the non-Christians showed hatred toward their former inquisi­tors and beat them, Christians took their defense, even at the risk of
being beaten themselves and accused of being accomplices with communism. I have seen Christians give away their last slice of bread (we were given one slice a week) and the medi­cine that could save their lives to a sick Communist torturer, who was now a fellow prisoner.” (Tortured for Christ pages 43 & 55)

#3. These Videos don’t show the joy these Christian felt even while in prison and why the felt it.
“When I look back on my fourteen years in prison, it was occa­sionally a very happy time. Other prisoners and even the guards very often wondered at how happy Christians could be under the most terrible circumstances. We could not be pre­vented from singing, although we were beaten for this. I imag­ine that nightingales, too, would sing, even if they knew that after finishing they would be killed for it. Christians in prison danced for joy. How could they be so happy under such tragic conditions?”
Around me were “Jobs”—some much more afflicted than Job had been. But I knew the end of Job’s story, how he re­ceived twice as much as he had before. I had around me men like Lazarus the beggar, hungry and covered with boils. But I knew that angels would take these men to the bosom of Abraham. I saw them as they will be in the future. I saw in the shabby, dirty, weak martyr near me the splendidly crowned saint of tomorrow.
But looking at men like this—not as they are, but as they will be—I could also see in our persecutors a Saul of Tarsus—a future apostle Paul. And some have already become so. Many officers of the secret police to whom we witnessed became Christians and were happy to later suffer in prison for having found our Christ. Although we were whipped, as Paul was, in our jailers we saw the potential of the jailer in Philippi who became a convert. We dreamed that soon they would ask, “What must I do to be saved?” In those who mocked the Christians who were tied to crosses and smeared with excrement, we saw the crowd of Golgotha who were soon to beat their breasts in fear of having sinned.
It was in prison that we found the hope of salvation for the Communists. It was there that we developed a sense of respon­sibility toward them. It was in being tortured by them that we learned to love them.
A great part of my family was murdered. It was in my own house that their murderer was converted. It was also the most suitable place. So in Communist prisons the idea of a Chris­tian mission to the Communists was born.” (Tortured for Christ pages 57-58)

Now why would I present such a lesson on Easter Sunday? For a few reasons:

#1. I wanted to make you aware of what’s going on around the world in other Christian circle. I want you to see how important and precious Jesus is to other people who are being persecuted. And I hope that their faith and courage will strengthen your faith and encourage you as well.

#2. I wanted you to see that if these people can love their enemies who are abusing and torturing them, we should be able to love those who are un-lovable around us and pray for them. I believe that’s what Jesus wants.
In His Sermon on the Mt. Jesus said,  

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” Mt. 5:43-46

On the cross just after the Roman beat Him bloody and nailed him to those wooden beans He look up to heaven and prayed,  

 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:34

#3. I also want you have the same hope that they have. Standing at deaths door these people have one thing to look forward to; death being raised again like Jesus Himself. Easter Sunday was never meant to be a day dedicated to pretty dresses, colored Easter eggs, and such. For the Christian, it is a day of VICTORY.
Christ Himself was beat, whipped and tortured, and then put to death. He told His disciples even then that if people will do that to Him, that we should expect the same. The victory comes into play when Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death itself, and now lives in Heaven and shows that it will be the same for us if we remain faithful.
Those who do not give in and deny Christ have over the years been strengthened and encouraged knowing that their suffering as bad as it is, that suffering will never compared to the Glory and magnificent home in heaven that Jesus has waiting for us.
Listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning this. He also knew what it was like to be persecuted for his faith in Jesus.  

Read 2 Cor. 4:16-18  

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

I also like what he wrote to the Ephesian church in 1:18-20 
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,”    

This is the hope that we should have in Jesus. A resurrection like Jesus’ and unknown powers given to us by God Himself.

So, can we do anything for these people, our brothers and sisters who are suffers so much for their faith. Yes there are some things we can do. I would like you to read this book to learn more about this.

One thing they ask for more than anything else is our prayers. To pray for them. To pray for their families who are without mom’s and dads. To pray for their persecutors, that they would have a change of heart and would also come to know Christ. And to pray that God’s word would continue to courageously spread. This day I challenge you to pray for them daily

I would like to close by playing one more music video that communicate this same request.   Please click on and Watch Say a prayer for me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oJgZmmzqWk

For a free copy of the book Torture for Christ or for More information on how to help go to http://www.persecution.com/

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Jim McGuiggan... Romans: God's Righteousness Vindicated (6)

Romans: God's Righteousness Vindicated (6)



Chapter 9 -11
Paul's defence of the Torah may be plausible but hard facts say that the physical Jew has been abandoned. So while Paul may be able to talk his way around objections to his view of the Torah, he can't talk his way around the fact that so many physical Jews to whom the promises were made (9:1-5) are unblessed and unsaved. Paul's gospel surely means God is faithless.

Paul insists that the physical Jews had all the promises made to them and the covenants, Torah, the Shekinah, and even the Messiah belonged to Israel. According to Paul's gospel (which was his version of God's faithfulness) the bulk of the Jewish nation was jettisoned. If the promises and all the rest were given to Israel and the bulk of Israel has missed them what happened to God's faithfulness?--the promises failed. Paul says the promises didn't fail because not all who descended from Israel (Jacob) is Israel and not all Abraham's descendants are his children (9:6-7). So, did God "move the goal posts"? Is this "gospel" to be defended by now saying that Israel isn't Israel? Paul insists that the elective principle is not new to the gospel. In fact the gospel takes the selecting work of God seriously. Israel is glad that God excluded Abraham's son Ishmael. They were glad God excluded Isaac's son Esau. Paul claims their acceptance of that electing work of God stopped too soon because God didn't see all Israelites as Israelites. The patriarchal narratives made that clear.

As early as Deuteronomy 18:17-19 God made it clear that mere fleshly descent from Abraham and Jacob wasn't enough if they were to enjoy his favour. Those who did not submit in love to the prophet(s) God raised up would be dealt with severely. Peter (Acts 3:23) renders the passage in the strongest possible terms. Whoever doesn't listen to the prophet(s) will be "cut off from among the people" (strong verb and the definite article is there). In this rendering of the Deuteronomy text, to reject Jesus or his commissioned prophets is to be cut off from Israel. Flesh isn't enough!

This is seen in Isaiah and Hosea (Romans 9:25-29) where Israel is said to be "not my people" and then later (when they turned to God) they were called his people. This Pauline teaching wasn't brand new; it wasn't special pleading to save his case. The true "Israel" was those who had Abraham's flesh and faith (see Romans 2:28-29 which is speaking of physical Jews). This is seen also in Elijah's day (11:1-6) when God claimed only 7,000 as his own. Paul says it's that kind of truth he was telling now (11:4-5). What the nation as a whole sought (the Messiah and messianic blessings) they missed and only the elect got it (11:7) when they got Jesus Christ. Had God then jettisoned Abraham's physical descendants? Had he changed his mind about the promises he made to them? God forbid! Though God did cause them to stumble (11:7-10) it was not to be done with them, it was to open the door for the world (11:11-12,30-32). It was also to open the door for Israel if by trust in God they'd receive it (11:14, 23-24). God had not changed his mind about his gifts and calling (11:28-29).

Because the mass of Jews (at least the mass of Diaspora Jews who had heard--see Acts 21:20) had rejected Jesus Christ and were outside his blessings, some Gentiles were tempted to think God was done with them; had cast off the people he had originally called (11:1, 17-24). But Paul insists this was never true. God had not been faithless to a single Israelite. Nor would he ever be. All Israel would be saved (11:26, see 9:6 and the previous paragraphs). God did not prove faithless to Israel in order to do Gentiles a favour. In fact, the reason Paul worked so hard among the Gentiles was to bring a wake up call to his own beloved people (11:14, 30-31). And the reason God concluded all men under sin was so that he could show mercy to all (11:32). It was wrong for Jews to be arrogant and exclusive but it was equally wrong for Gentiles to be like that (11:17-24; 15:27).
So what are they to conclude? That Gentiles who didn't pursue a right relationship with God found it and that Israel who sought an (eschatalogical) "torah of righteousness" missed it (9:30-31)? Yes. They missed it because they sought it within the limits of fleshly Israel, because they sought it within the limits of a Torah given exclusively to Israel and which therefore could not embrace the world (all nations, as per the Abrahamic covenant). That covenant Torah could not be the means of showing God's faithfulness to the entire human race since it was confined strictly to those to whom it was given (Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5). Israel wanted to establish its own (national) righteousness (10:3) and didn't see (didn't want to see--compare Isaiah 65:1-2 and Romans 10:16-21) God's righteousness (faithfulness) which isn't sectarian or national. Their blindness wasn't new, it was characteristic of them (10:16-21). For all their zeal when the Messiah came they were blind to the truth that he was the goal to which the Torah led and he was the termination of the Torah as a marker of righteousness. The children of Abraham, the elect, were now redefined (in keeping with Torah truth). No more could (even a righteous) Jew appeal to the Torah from Sinai as the mark of election. God's saving purpose was for the entire world and the Torah (which, in any case, stood in judgment over Israel and brought her under curse for apostasy as per Deuteronomy 27:26) was nationalistic and exclusive (compare Ephesians 2:11-22). To seek the eschatalogical "torah of righteousness" (9:31) in the Torah as a strictly Jewish covenant marker was to make the Torah an end in itself. This meant they missed the eschatalogical righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (for the entire world) it was also to judge the Torah "after the flesh" and miss its real significance and prostitute it. So Israel's problem was twofold. They violated the Torah by not living it out before God and they missed its place in God's scheme of redemption.

What complicated things was Paul's claim that it was through the hardening of Israel and their rejection of the Messiah that salvation came to the whole world. If that was true then Israel was only doing the will of God when they rejected the Messiah. Why then should they be cast off for doing God's will? See 3:3-8 and 9:14-21. Paul assures them that Israel's doing God's will was not a holy and obedient move on their part--it was rebellion for which they were responsible. It wasn't to their credit that God used their sinfulness to gain generous and holy ends. But God hardened the apostate part of Israel (11:7-10,25) in order to bless the world (11:32) including those he had hardened. No wonder Paul rolls his eyes in pleasure and awe in 11:33-36.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Introduction To The Epistle (1 Thessalonians 1:1)






               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

                   Introduction To The Epistle (1:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. A wonderful hope of the Christian is the promise of the Lord's
   return...
   a. A promise given when Jesus ascended into heaven - Ac 1:9-11
   b. A promise designed to motivate Christians to live holy and godly
      lives - 2Pe 3:10-14

2. How then should we live as we anticipate the Lord's return? This
   question is addressed in Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians
   a. In which every chapter has some mention of the Lord's return
   b. In which we find practical instructions for holy and godly living

[That we might be ready for the Lord's return, we begin this series of
sermons based on First Thessalonians. In this lesson, we shall consider
some background information on this epistle...]

I. THE AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE (1:1a)

   A. PAUL...
      1. Known formerly as Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of the church
         - Ac 9:1-2
      2. Who became known as the "apostle to the Gentiles" - Ac 9:15
      3. Author of half of the books of the New Testament

   B. JOINED BY SILVANUS AND TIMOTHY...
      1. Silvanus, also known as Silas
         a. Originally an emissary from the apostles and elders in
            Jerusalem - Ac 15:22,27
         b. Identified as a prophet, who exhorted the brethren in
            Antioch - Ac 15:32
         c. Who remained in Antioch, later to become Paul's traveling
            companion - Ac 15:34,40-41
         d. Who suffered mistreatment and imprisonment with Paul in
            Philippi - Ac 16:19-25
         e. Who together with Paul established the church in
            Thessalonica - Ac 17:1-4
      2. Timothy, also known as Timotheus
         a. A young disciple who traveled with Paul - Ac 16:1-3
         b. Who is mentioned with Paul in many of his letters - e.g.,
            2Co 1:1; Php 1:1
         c. Recipient of two letters from Paul - 1Ti 1:1; 2Ti 1:1
         d. Who suffered imprisonment himself - He 13:23
         e. Who had just returned from a trip to Thessalonica - 1Th 3:1-2,6

[These three men had a vested interest in the welfare of the church in
Thessalonica.  Speaking of that church, let's now focus on...]

II. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE EPISTLE (1:1b)

   A. THE CITY OF THESSALONICA...
      1. It was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of
         Macedonia
      2. Located on the Egnatian Way, a major road from Rome to the
         eastern provinces
      3. The city served as a center of trade and commerce
      -- Today, it is known as Thessaloniki (formerly Salonica)

   B. THE CHURCH OF THE THESSALONIANS...
      1. Its establishment is recorded in Ac 17:1-9
         a. On his second journey, Paul and his companions had just
            left Philippi
         b. Traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arrived at
            Thessalonica
         c. Paul immediately located the synagogue and used their
            Sabbath gathering as an opportunity for evangelism
         d. For three weeks he reasoned with the Jews, converting some
            and a number of prominent Gentiles
         e. Unbelieving Jews soon caused a disturbance, forcing Paul to
            leave
      2. Despite such ominous beginnings, a strong church was 
         established
         a. It quickly gained a good reputation - 1Th 1:8
         b. It was mostly Gentiles - 1Th 1:9
         c. Members included Jason (Ac 17:9), Aristarchus and Secundus 
            (Ac 20:4)

[The reputation of this church is even more remarkable when we consider
how young it was.  The young age of the church becomes apparent when
we consider...]

III. THE PLACE AND DATE OF WRITING

   A. THE PLACE...
      1. The letter itself indicates it was not written long after 
         Paul's departure
         a. Paul had only been gone a short time - 1Th 2:17-18
         b. He had sent Timothy from Athens, who had returned - 1Th 3:1-6
      2. From Luke's record in Acts, it is evident Paul wrote this 
         epistle soon after arriving in Corinth on his second 
         missionary journey
         a. For Paul did not stay long in Athens - Ac 17:16-18:1
         b. And Timothy came back from Macedonia after Paul arrived in
            Corinth - Ac 18:5
      -- So the place of writing is most likely Corinth

   B. THE DATE...
      1. Writing soon after his arrival in Corinth, this would place 
         the date sometime around 50-52 A.D.
      2. This would make First Thessalonians one of Paul's earliest 
         known writings, if not the first

[Now let's examine...]

IV. THE PURPOSE AND CONTENT OF THE EPISTLE

   A. THE PURPOSE...
      1. Paul had been anxious about the condition of the church
         a. Occasioned by his abrupt departure - Ac 17:10
         b. He wanted to return, but was hindered - 1Th 2:17-18
         c. His anxiety prompted him to send Timothy to encouraged them
            - 1Th 3:1-3
      2. Timothy had brought back good news! - 1Th 3:6-8
         a. Of their faith and love, and of their desire to see Paul
            again
         b. Their steadfastness comforted Paul greatly
      3. From the content of the letter (see below), it becomes 
         apparent that Paul had a three-fold purpose in mind as he 
         wrote this letter:
         a. To praise them for their steadfastness under persecution
         b. To instruct them concerning holy living
         c. To correct any misunderstanding, especially regarding the 
            second coming of Christ

   B. THE CONTENT...
      1. The epistle is unique in that every chapter ends with a 
         reference to the second coming of Christ - 1Th 1:10; 2:19; 
         3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23
      2. Here is a brief outline of the epistle:
         a. Personal reflections (1-3)
            1) Regarding their condition - 1:1-10
            2) Regarding his conduct - 2:1-12
            3) Regarding his concern - 2:13-3:13
         b. Apostolic instructions (4-5)
            1) Walk in holiness - 4:1-8
            2) Walk in love - 4:9-10
            3) Walk in diligence - 4:11-12
            4) Walk in hope - 4:13-18
            5) Walk in light - 5:1-11
            6) Walk in obedience - 5:12-28

CONCLUSION

1. With such an emphasis on steadfastness and holy living, an
   appropriate theme for this epistle would be:

           "Holiness In View Of The Coming Of Christ"

2. In keeping with such a theme, I offer the following passage as the
   key verses of the epistle:

   "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one
   another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish
   your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the 
   coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints."  
                                                      - 1Th 3: 12-13

As we proceed through this epistle, it will be my prayer and aim that
our study will lead to greater faithfulness and holiness in our service
to God as we wait for the coming of Jesus!

Are you ready for His coming?  Even if you should die before He
returns, are you ready to face Him in the Judgment?  Let the apostles
of Christ tell you what you need to do be ready for that day - cf. Ac
2:36-38; 17:30-31

Only then can it truly be said:  "Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1Th 1:1c)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... God's "Second String" (Colossians 4:7-18)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

                      God's "Second String" (4:7-18)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have stressed throughout this study of Colossians that we are
   "complete in Christ" - cf. Col 2:9

2. To be "complete in Christ", or "perfect in Christ" (Col 1:28), is
   certainly to be the goal of every Christian
   a. Does this mean that those who are in Christ are to be exactly
      alike in every way?
   b. Should we expect every mature Christian to be duplicates of one
      another in ability and service?

3. No, it does not, and that becomes especially clear as we consider
   Paul's closing comments concerning several individuals who were
   instrumental to the success of Paul's ministry

4. Reading Paul's comments about these individuals reminds me of the key
   to any successful sports team:  the strength of the "second string"
   that supports the key players

5. So as we come to this last section of the Book of Colossians, I hope
   we do not consider these closing comments of Paul as something to
   quickly gloss over
   a. There are important lessons we can glean from these verses
   b. We are reminded of the need and the value of "God's Second String"

[First, we are introduced to...]

I. THE MEN WHO WERE MESSENGERS (7-9)

   A. TYCHICUS (7-8)
      1. Described as "a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a
         fellow servant in the Lord"
         a. We read of him in Ac 20:7, as one of those who accompanied
            Paul
         b. Again in Ep 6:21-22, where he performed the same duties as
            outlined in Col 4:7-8
         c. And also in Tit 3:12 and 2Ti 4:12, where he continues to
            serve Paul as a messenger
      2. He might have been one of the brethren referred to in 2Co 8:
         23, who were called "messengers of the churches, the glory of
         Christ"

   B. ONESIMUS (9)
      1. Also "a faithful and beloved brother"
      2. Who was from Colosse (cf., "who is one of you")
      3. We learn from the Epistle to Philemon that Onesimus was a
         runaway slave converted by Paul and sent back
      4. He, too, was serving as a messenger for Paul

[Because of men like these, the influence of the apostles was able to
spread much farther than if they were by themselves.  And that also
means the influence of the gospel spread much farther!

Next, we read of...]

II. THE MEN WHO WERE COMFORTERS (10-11)

   A. ARISTARCHUS (10a)
      1. A "fellow prisoner"
      2. He also had been a fellow traveler of Paul - Ac 20:4
         a. Who nearly lost his life to the riot in Ephesus - Ac 19:29
         b. Who sailed with Paul to Rome - Ac 27:2
      3. And was now in Rome with Paul, sending greetings

   B. MARK (10b)
      1. The writer of the second Gospel, he was the cousin (nephew) of
         Barnabas
         a. The church in Jerusalem met in his mother's house - Ac 12:12
         b. Started out with Paul and Barnabas on their first journey,
            but then turned back - Ac 13:1-13
         c. He later became a bone of contention between Paul and
            Barnabas - Ac 15:36-41
         d. But eventually proved "profitable" to Paul for service -
            2Ti 4:11
     2.  Even now, he is included with those who Paul said "proved to be
         a comfort to me"

   C. JESUS, CALLED JUSTUS (11)
      1. Little is known of this man, except that he was a Jew ("of the
         circumcision") and a "fellow worker for the kingdom"
      2. He, too, was a comfort to Paul

[No man can produce what they are capable of producing, unless they
receive the right kind of encouragement.

Just as Barnabas (the "son of encouragement" - Ac 4:36) had been the
one to encourage a young man who made a mistake (i.e., John Mark) and
made him profitable, so now that young man with two others were
comforting the apostle Paul in his trials.  With such comfort, Paul was
able to continue his work while awaiting trial before Caesar.

Now let's notice...]

III. THE MAN WHO PRAYED (12-13)

   A. EPAPHRAS, THE PERSON WHO STARTED THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE - CO 1:7-8
      1. He was from Colosse ("one of you")
      2. He cared deeply for them and those in Laodicea and Hierapolis
      3. He too was a "fellow prisoner" (Phm 23); what could he do
         for those so far away?

   B. EPAPHRAS, A MAN OF PRAYER...
      1. He could at least pray for his brethren!
      2. And pray he did...
         a. He prayed "constantly" ("always")
         b. He prayed "fervently" ("laboring fervently")
         c. He prayed "personally" ("for you")
         d. He prayed "with a goal in mind" ("that you may stand perfect
            and complete...")

[Just as one does not have to be on the court to contribute to a team's
success, one does not have to be present to be a blessing to others!
So Paul himself realized, and often solicited the prayers of others on
his behalf (e.g., 2Th 3:1-2).

On a bittersweet note, we now consider...]

IV. TWO MEN OF CONTRAST (14)

   A. LUKE, THE "BELOVED PHYSICIAN"...
      1. A fellow traveler with Paul on a number of his journeys - Ac16:10; 20:5; 27:1 

(note the personal pronouns "we", "us")
      2. He was used by the Holy Spirit to write over half of the New
         Testament!
         a. He penned both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
         b. In total volume, they constitute the majority of the New
            Testament
      3. He was faithful to Paul to the end - 2Ti 4:11

   B. DEMAS, WHO LATER FORSOOK PAUL...
      1. At the time Colossians and Philemon was written, Demas was a
         "fellow laborer"
      2. But not long after, it was said of him, "Demas has forsaken me,
         having loved this present world" - 2Ti 4:10

CONCLUSION

1. Demas serves as a sober reminder of the need to remain steadfast to
   the end - cf. also Re 2:10

2. But the others in this passage remind us that the spread of the
   gospel during the first century was not accomplished through the
   efforts of great men like Paul and the twelve apostles alone

3. It was greatly assisted by humble men and women willing to serve as
   "God's Second String"
   a. Who served as messengers, comforters, prayer warriors, and
      servants to those in positions of greater influence than
      themselves (7-14)
   b. Who opened their hearts and their homes to the service of the
      church, as did Nymphas (15)

4. If the gospel is to spread today, there is also a need for "God's
   Second String"!
   a. Are we willing to do whatever we can in service to the Lord,
      whether it be great or small?
   b. Then let Paul closing remarks to a man named Archippus serve as an
      admonition to us as well:

      "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord,
       that you may fulfill it." - Col 4:17

5. Whatever our calling, whatever our ability, let us be faithful to the
   Lord!

As Paul closed his epistle to the Colossians in his own personal
handwriting (18), so we close this series of sermon outlines:

                 "Grace be with you.  Amen"

If we truly let Jesus be our "All-Sufficient And Pre-Eminent Savior",
then God's grace will certainly be with us!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011


From Gary... Awkward




































Most of the time, Christians greet one another with a friendly handshake.  Sometimes, though, you get that weak, limp handshake that is weird- and just makes you wonder about the other person.  Occasionally, though, the situation in the picture happens and both people feel uncomfortable.  Reality kicks in and you realize that the other party is viewing your relationship differently that you do, so you just deal with it.  But, it is still awkward.  Peter had a situation like this in Scripture and with none other than Jesus, himself....

John, Chapter 21
  1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.  2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.  3 Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” 

They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.  4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus.  5 Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” 

They answered him, “No.” 

  6  He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” 

They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.  7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” 

So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.  8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.  9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.  10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 

  11  Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn. 
  12  Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” 

None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. 

  13  Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.  14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.  15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” 

He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” 

He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”   16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” 

He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” 

He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”   17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” 

Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” 

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.


Jesus had risen from the dead (Chapter 20) and now appears to the disciples again.  This time the disciples have returned to their occupation of fishing.  Jesus instructs them how to be successful, but is unknown to them (why, not sure- maybe he was just too far away???).  But, John, finally recognizes Jesus, and they do what they are told and have a bountiful catch.  Once they return to  land, Jesus beckons them to eat with him and then the awkwardness begins...  Jesus asks Peter if he loves HIM more than THESE.  Question: to what does the "these" refer to?  Doesn't really say, does it?  However, from the context, I think he is talking about the fish they caught, whereas Jesus is referring to people.  But, I could be wrong about this one- it just seems a little vague to me and the fish reference makes the most sense.  Anyway, in the ensuing exchange, Jesus is referring to the highest form of self-sacrificing love, and Peter (Simon, son of Jonah) is talking about friendship.  A bit awkward for Peter isn't it?  But, to me the ultimate message to Peter- stop fishing and feed my sheep (people).  Just goes to show you- we tend to just "like" and God tends to just "love".  Jesus always seems to go a bit farther than most of us are willing to go.  Peter needed to learn self-sacrificing love and we need to go beyond a handshake with others and get more involved in their lives.  While this may seem difficult or awkward at first, we need to change, just like Peter did.  After all, there is that thing--   Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep!!!  Humm, this is one different kind of a fish story, isn't it???