Mother’s Day

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In recognition of our mothers today, let’s honor and celebrate them with a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Mothers are a gift from heaven’s own hand and without yours, you would never have known life. There is no way, not a chance, you could have a different mother and still be you. Without your mother, you would never exist. Let’s pray … (Prayer of Thanksgiving)

To moms, stepmoms, adoptive moms, assumptive moms, foster moms, spiritual moms, and moms of necessity – we want to say a very special Happy Mother’s Day! We love and appreciate you all.

Let’s open our Bibles to the New Testament Book of 2 Timothy, chapter 1.

I believe 2 Timothy contains the last words we have from the Apostle Paul. I believe Paul was about 62 years old and was in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter. He knew from the Holy Spirit that he was nearing the end of his earthly life and his departure to heaven was close at hand.

Several places in the Bible where we read the last words of our mothers and fathers of faith seem to hold concentrated truths meant to somehow carry greater weight in our lives. I can tell you for sure, the last words spoken to me by my father and my mother have sustained me in some of my greatest times of testing and trials in life.

2 Timothy 1 NKJV

1 ¶  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2  To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

·        Paul calls Timothy his beloved son. Not a biological reality, and not because Paul had led Timothy to faith in Jesus.

·        Paul claims Timothy as his son solely based on the demonstrated fact that Paul had adopted Timothy into his spiritual family and as such took on the responsibility of raising him as a son in the faith.

·        This verse serves to prove we may embrace and experience more than one level of parenthood in our lives.

·        One thing a godly parent does is to declare blessings over the lives of their children.

o   “Grace, mercy, and peace from God …”

3  I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

·        Another mark of a godly parent is that they serve God for their children’s sake.

·        Samson’s mother (Judges 13:7&14) was told to alter her lifestyle to fit the rules her son was destined to follow.

·        A godly parent is committed to pray for their children night and day. Just because you didn’t have one, doesn’t mean you can’t be one.

4  greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,

·        A godly parent longs for and enjoys the company of their children.

·        They know their welfare.

·        And they applaud their faithfulness.

·        “That I may be filled with joy …”

5  when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

·        3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth.

·        Paul credited Timothy’s faith and faithfulness to what he had learned from his mother Eunice, who first learned it from her mother Lois.

The name Lois in the Greek means agreeable. Do you know what a blessing it is to have an agreeable mother, more so than having a disagreeable mother? The support of a godly mother sets us up for success. And that’s exactly what the name Eunice means, prosperity and victory … in other words - success!

Allow me to give you the backstory to Lois, Eunice, and Timothy. Lois, the grandmother, was Jewish, evidently married to a Jewish man. They had a daughter named Eunice. At some point, Eunice decided to marry a Gentile man who lived in the city of Lystra, in what is now the country of Turkey. Timothy’s father did not believe in God as did Timothy’s mother and therefore the family did not practice the religious customs or keep the law. Nonetheless Timothy’s mother taught him to believe the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:15  And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

No doubt this was taxing for Lois, the grandmother. Nonetheless, she evidently supported her daughter Eunice and taught her to trust God.

Acts 16

1 ¶  Then Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

2  He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.

3  Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Timothy did not have a father who taught him to believe in Jesus or serve the Lord. Thankfully it was not so with his mother. Eunice was a believer in Jesus, and her son Timothy also believed, and he gained a good reputation amongst the other Believers in that area.

Timothy must have also inherited some spiritual DNA, or was otherwise greatly influenced by his grandmother’s agreeable spirit seeing Timothy submitted himself to Paul and even to circumcision before going with him to the mission field.

If you have a daughter, you are raising a potential Eunice. Your godly, motherly support and your faith in Jesus can help her become prosperous and successful, even in the face of difficulties and bad decisions. If you have a son, you’re potentially raising a Timothy. Teach him the Word.

It’s easy to imagine Timothy wasn’t raised in a perfect world. However, his mother taught him the Holy Scriptures that led him to Jesus. I challenge each mom today, be a Lois or a Eunice and be a blessing to your children.

Wait

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If you are good, it is good to have history with God.

Revelation 12 NKJV

10  Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

11  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

12 ¶  “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

This passage presents a glimpse into what is currently ongoing in heaven and earth and what we can expect in the future. First to note is the revelation that old dragon, the devil, who is that serpent called satan, has been roaming throughout the earth surveying the lives of men and women.

He has been seeking out and searching for those whom he may devour, (1 Peter 5:8), so that he may accuse them before God. Satan is relentless, especially in his accusations against God’s children. He is accusing us day and night. One of the most useful evil tools in his arsenal is accusations. The devil wants to destroy the lives.

Accusations are the reasons why people persecuted the prophets, imprisoned the Apostles, tortured the Believers, and crucified the Messiah.

These tactics and ploys of the devil will only increase as time continues until God puts a final end to this world and casts the devil into the lake of fire forever. Until then … what can a Believer to about the attacks of the devil? In John 10:10 Jesus said that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. What can you do when the devil is trying to destroy your life?

Let’s turn our attention to the inspired writings of a man who was accused more than anyone else we know. The man to whom I refer is King David.

We do not know which situation in David’s life brought him to pen this song. After all, he had so many persecutions and accusations levied against him by the devil. Even his own son wanted to kill David …

Psalm 27 NKJV

1 ¶  « A Psalm of David. » The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

2  When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.

·        It’s great to have a history (testimony) with God!

·        Looking back you’ll see, He has never failed or forsaken you.

3  Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident.

·        History gives me confidence that the next time will be no different.

4  One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

·        Despite the enemy’s attacks, I’m going to keep going to Church.

·        And I’m going to keep praying and seeking answers from God.

5  For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

6  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

·        I won’t let the devil steal my joy or keep me from praising His name.

7 ¶  Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8  When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

·        You said to seek Your face … that’s what I’m going to do from a heart of thanksgiving and faith.

9  Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

·        If I’m wrong … when I’m wrong … do not forsake me – help me!

10  When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.

·        When others turn away from me … You will take care of me.

11  Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

·        Teach me Lord; Lead me, Lord; because of my enemies.

·        Don’t let them have their way.

12  Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.

13  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

·        I know my Redeemer lives and I know He will rescue me.

14  Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

What do we do when the devil comes to destroy your life?

1.   Remember the last time.

2.   Have confidence next time.

3.   Go to Church.

4.   Seek God for answers.

5.   Rejoice and sing praises.

6.   Listen and learn.

7.   Wait and be of good courage … wait, I say, on the Lord!

Original intent

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When it comes to constitutional law in the United States, there are two basic arguments. First are those who believe the Constitution is a bit outdated and should be amended and/or re-interpreted in light of modern-day morals, changing social allowances, and other current considerations. Then there are those who wish to preserve, protect, and defend the original intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

 

When it comes to the Bible, there are also two basic schools of thought and practice. One group believes the Bible is outdated or at least misogynistic and behind the times. This group often argues for departure from the intent of the original texts in favor of a more modern and less strict interpretation of the scriptures. The other group consists of those who believe God authored the Bible by using inspired writers and that He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever. These people believe God has preserved and protected His intent and that the Bible is the source of truth for all generations.

 

We encounter these two opposing schools of thought and from time to time observe those who fall into the many cracks in between. I believe God’s original intent is plain and easily understood once seen in light of the whole counsel of His Word. 

 

The correct way to interpret scripture is with scripture. The Bible tells only one story … it is the story of redemption. And unless and until each verse finds its proper place in support of the one-story God intends, it is not understood correctly. I believe the original intent is where we find both the power and the pleasure of God. 

 

With this in mind, let’s look to the scriptures concerning God’s original intent for mankind.

 

Genesis 1 NKJV

26 ¶  Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

 

• Important to note God created male and female to be equal.

• He blessed them and charged them equally.

 

28  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

 

Dominion is defined as the right and the power to govern and control.

 

Psalm 8:6  You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.

 

We don’t win in court because we are right but because we present the best case. A judge decides the case based on the charges levied, the evidence presented, and the argument which is made. 

 

There are many injustices which are never brought before the court. Also, you can decide not to press charges against the devil if you don’t want to bother with it. But that won’t change the facts of God’s Word. You were created to have dominion over the works of God’s hands.

 

When Jesus defeated the devil, He restored our rights. We can speak with authority in His name. We have been justified and we are the redeemed.

 

Now we are back to the original 5 commandments of Genesis 1:28.

 

1. Be Fruitful

2. Multiply

3. Fill the Earth

4. Subdue the Earth

5. Exercise Dominion

God is Good!

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My experience has been that anywhere I have preached across the nation and around the world, when I say “God is good,” people respond with “all the time!” God is good seems to be the universal slogan inspired by the Holy Spirit in congregations and in personal situations faced by Believers despite what they may be facing. How many times have you told yourself or told God and whoever else is listening that God is good?

The fact that God is good is one of the fundamental truths we find in the Bible. There are hundreds and hundreds of references connecting God with His goodness and with what we know is good. 

Genesis 1:31  Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Beginning in the Book of Genesis with the account of creation, everything God made was good.

Luke records the Apostle Peter speaking about the power, the purpose, and the person of Jesus …

Acts 10:38  “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Not only are God and Jesus good but goodness is also the primary purpose of God’s children.

Ephesians 2:10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

1 Timothy 6:18  Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.

Titus 2

7  In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

8  sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 2:14  Jesus gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Matthew 5:16  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Titus 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Titus 3:14  And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Hebrews 10:24  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

God is good!

        Jesus is good!

                We who have believed in God should be good!

Good? Yes, good to others … imitating our heavenly Father.

Ephesians 5:1  Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

3 John 1:11  Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Let’s look at 5 things the Bible says about the goodness of God.

1.   The Bible declares in Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

a.   Notice the invitation—taste and see. God’s goodness isn’t just something to hear about; it’s something to experience.

b.   Like food that nourishes the body, His goodness sustains the soul.

2.   God is good not only when life feels easy, but also when life is uncertain.

a.   Nahum 1:7  The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.

b.   His goodness shows up as protection, presence, and faithfulness—especially in hard times.

3.   Sometimes people question God’s goodness because of suffering.

a.   The cross reminds us and gives the ultimate proof of God’s goodness. (Romans 8:32)

b.   If things are bad, God is not finished yet.

c.    Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

d.   Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we can trust God’s heart. He is good!

4.   Here is a sobering truth: The absence of God is the absence of good.

a.   James 1:17  Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

b.   If all that is truly good comes from God, then stepping away from Him means stepping away from the very source of goodness itself.

c.    Know God, know good … no God, no good!

d.   Apart from Him, we don’t just lose direction … we lose the light that defines and supplies all that is good.

5.   Finally, we must also hold truth with wisdom: God is good, however, good is not always God.

a.   Not everything that appears good, feels good, or even does some good is from God.

b.   Many people mistake good for God.

c.    Hebrews 11:25  Choosing to suffer affliction with the children of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

d.   True goodness is defined by God’s character, not by human perception.

e.   If we’re not careful, we can mistake comfort, success, or popularity for God’s will, when in reality they may lead us away from Him.

God’s goodness is not based on our situation—it flows from His unchanging nature. He is good when we see it, and He is still good when we don’t.

I’d like to leave us with a thought and a goal this morning. The thought is a sobering one. It comes from our 4^th point.

The absence of God is the absence of Good.

God’s goodness is all that is holding this world together. Make a list of all that is good … I did this past week. Breath, light, water, health, hope, family, food, friends, sleep, peace, freedom, sight, love, children, safety, smiles … the list goes on and on. Every good thing comes from God.

Now imagine a world without God and without good. That is hell. We cannot allow people to go to hell because we did not show them the goodness of God.

Romans 2:4  Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

This brings us to our goal for the week. Be good to others. Decide that you are going to show others the love and the goodness of God whether in your estimation, they deserve it or not.

Determine to be kind and to be considerate. And be gracious and be patient and suffer others who may be having a bad day or just not understand why they were created. Imitate God as dear children and let your light shine for Jesus. He said others will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Now let’s pray …

Rock Solid Convictions Money: Settling What We Believe

 Series Review:                                                                                      

Intro: What are Convictions?

•    Convictions are beliefs you settle before life tests you

•    Convictions are not formed in pressure—they are revealed in pressure

•    If you don’t decide what you believe, something else will decide for you

•    A shaky belief system leads to a shaky life

Part 1: Convictions about God

•    God is supreme — (uncreated, infinite, unchanging)

•    God is good — (holy, loving, just)

•    God is sovereign — (all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present

•    God is worth trusting

Introduction:

John D. Rockefeller is on of the wealthiest men to ever live. When most people think about him, they think of oil, financing, and immense wealth. However, what is often overlooked is how his relationship with money began. Long before the wealth, long before the success, long before the millions, he made a decision as a young boy. He made the decision that the first 10% of everything he earned would belong to God.” Not after he became rich, but before. His first job only earned him a $1. He made sure to give 10% of that to God. As his income grew, so did his giving. Eventually, Rockefeller went on to become the richest man in the world at that time. Yet, he still gave 10% of everything he earned even in his wealth. Later on in life, he shared something profound. He said, “I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I made if I had not tithed on my first $1 salary.”

Early on, John D. Rockefeller made a decision on what he believed about money before it ever tested him. He didn’t wait until he had money to figure out what he believed about money; he settled it early. Consequently, that decision shaped the rest of his life moving forward.

That is what this series Rock Solid Convictions is all about. Convictions are not formed in the pressured moments in life, pressure only reveals what you believe. Instead, convictions must be settled before a crisis arrives.

If you don’t settle what you believe about money now, money will decide for you later.

So today, we are going to discuss 4 rock solid convictions that we should have about money as believers.

1.     God Owns Everything
Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

•   Everything we have belongs to God (property, possessions, money, relationships), it all belongs to the Lord.

•   This means that we actually don’t own anything.

•   Instead, we are managing that which has been given to us by God

•   You are a steward of what God has given us…that should impact:
How you spend money
How you save money
How you give money

•   The question we should be asking God is: “What do You want me to do with what you have given me?”

2.     Money is a Tool
1 Timothy 6:10 — “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

•   Money itself is not evil, but it is powerful. This scripture says that the “love” of money is the root of all evil. God does not hate money! God is not opposed to you having more money! He wants you to have more money! He needs more people who are willing to help build the kingdom of God and more people He can give through.

•   God is not opposed to you having more money… He is opposed to money having more of you

•   Money has the ability to:

‣   Shape your decisions  (What you say yes or no to)

‣   Influence your moment  (Peace, anxiety, fear, confidence)

‣   Compete for your priorities  (What you actually rely on)

•   Money makes a terrible master, but it makes a wonderful tool.
Let us be careful not to get sucked into the lure of chasing money instead of God.

3.     God is My Provider (Not Money)
Philippians 4:19 — “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

•   It is important for me to believe that my job is a blessing. My paycheck is a blessing. However, they are not your provider. While they do provide you your salary, God is the one who gives you the ability to create wealth.

•   Jesus speaks about the everyday needs that you and I have like what we will eat, what will we drink, what we will wear. There are things that we are concerned about that money many timed can fix. However, look at what Jesus says:

Matthew 6:32-33 — “32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

[Story of Norah losing her money]

•   Norah was not overly worried and was not overly afraid when she lost her money. Why? Because her trust was never in the money she had, her trust was in her father (me).

•   Let us not be overly tethered to resources we have when we are connected to the one who is the source.

•   God knows what you need, and He will provide your every one of them. We just need to trust Him. How? By seeking first the kingdom of God and righteousness.

4.     Money is Temporary
Matthew 6:19-20 — “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

•   This is one of the most grounding truths about money, that it is temporary. No matter how much we earn or accumulate, we cannot take it with us. Jesus made that clear here in this verse. Money can gained and lost.

However, He also says to invest in heavenly riches because it can be gained but it cannot be lost. There is no better investment than a heavenly investment.

•   Jesus is not speaking against money nor is He speaking against possessions. Instead, He is correcting our perspective. Earthly treasures are fragile and fading, but heavenly riches are secure and eternal.

•   We must be careful not to pass up the eternal in order to chase what’s temporary. Instead, we must use what is temporary in order to invest in what is eternal.

•   That is what we do here at Church on the Rock. This is why we invest in world missions, because we are investing in heavenly riches.

5.     Being Blessed is a Responsibility
Genesis 12:2 — “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

•   From the very beginning, God’s design for blessing was never meant to sop with us, but to move through us. Abraham was blessed, but he was blessed with a purpose. It was not just for Abraham’s comfort and security. Instead, it was for a greater impact beyond himself.

•   That same principle is seen carried our throughout scripture and into our lives today. When God blesses us, it is more than just for myself. It is not just so that I can enjoy myself. Instead, blessings come with responsibility.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 — “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

•   God is the provider of our needs. However, He also can “increase” our resources so that we can be generous. In other words, God is not just looking to give to you, He is also looking to give through you.

•   There is a difference between provision and overflow.
Provision meets your needs; Overflow creates opportunities to impact others. God not only provides for us, but He overflows us so that we can be a blessing to others.

It is important that we stop seeing increase as something to accumulate for ourselves and start seeing it as an opportunity to participate with God.

TAKEAWAYS

5 Rock Solid Convictions I should have about money as a Christian:

I.      It all belongs to God

II.     Money doesn’t control me

III.   God is my source

IV.   Don’t live for what’s temporary— Invest in what is eternal

V.    I am blessed to be a blessing