Family Matters: Caring for the Family of God
Paul instructs Timothy to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. The tone we use matters because the relationships matter. He then addresses the care of widows, teaching the church that compassion must be paired with wisdom.
Prove It: Progressing in Godliness
In 1 Timothy 4:11-16, the Apostle Paul closes chapter 4 by explaining to Timothy that godly ministry is patterned by godly character — via five areas in particular. Paul also instructs his protege to wholeheartedly progress as a believer & minister of the Gospel by reading, teaching, and exhorting God’s Word. If we are to progress in OUR Christian walk (and truly live out our faith), we must prove it by persistently watching ourselves and our doctrine closely.
The Path to Pursuing Godliness
In 1 Timothy 4:6-10 we see Paul highlighting the importance of godliness. Christians are to pursue godliness by nourishing themselves with God’s Word, diligently striving to obey its commands, and recognizing the benefit of Godliness. This is all done with our hope set on the living God who has saved us in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Truth
In 2 Corinthians 4:1–4, Paul reminds us that the gospel is not something we manipulate — it is something we faithfully proclaim. “Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” The gospel is a ministry of mercy. We did not earn it. We received it. And because it came through mercy, we do not give up when ministry becomes difficult.
False Teaching Versus True Freedom
In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 we see Paul describing the content of the false teaching happening in Ephesus. He tells us that the source of true false teaching in the church is demonic. However, it comes through human channels such as false teachers. It can frequently look like distorting God’s Word by adding commands that aren’t found in it. It can also look like denying God’s goodness in creation as we try to refrain from things God has created for us…
The Church’s Identity and Confession
In 1 Timothy 3:14-16 we see what the Church is and what the Church confesses. What fuels how we behave as the church is knowing what we are, whose we are, and the God who dwells with us.
You Can Trust God, Even When No One Else Does
In Mark 15:40–47, we meet quiet but courageous faith at the foot of the cross. While the disciples have scattered, faithful women remain watching, and an unexpected figure—Joseph of Arimathea—steps forward to publicly identify with Jesus in His death. When hope seems buried, God is still at work through faithful obedience. Even in the silence of the tomb, God is preparing resurrection.
The Role, Character, and Reward of Deacons
In 1 Timothy 3:8-13 we see Paul providing the qualifications for deacons in the local church. Deacons are lead servants in the church. They meet tangible needs to free the elders for the ministry of the word and prayer. They also help foster unity in the church. This is a vital office to the church and deacons must exemplify the character of Christ. He is our perfect example of a servant. And He provides a reward for those who serve as deacons.
Born That Man No More May Die
In Hebrews 2:14-15 we see the true aim of the incarnation: Christ came for His people and became truly man so that he could die. In so doing he has set his children free from the fear of death.
God With Us: 3 Christmas Promises
In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah declares, “…Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This prophecy had an initial fulfillment during Isaiah’s day, but ultimately refers to the birth of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. One of our Elders, Joe, looks to unpack 3 promises of Christmas from the Book of Isaiah that are fulfilled in Christ and can be experienced today.