The Pillar And Ground Of The Truth, 1of2, Evans Olang

1Timothy 3:14-16, “14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”

As I think of qualifications of a minister and the model by which the church is to run, I count on Paul’s epistle to Timothy because of its depth and clear instructions. This epistle appears to have been written to Timothy while he was at Ephesus facing numerous challenges as a young pastor. Paul wrote to instruct him in the choice of proper offices in the church by keeping to mind the right qualifications he outlined, as well as in the exercise of a regular ministry.

Discernment Is Not Optional, Inspired by Pastor John MacArthur

1Thessalonians 5:21-22, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil”

A scripture often quoted in Matthew 7:1, says, “Judge not, that you be not judged” and this could be thought to mean being silent and receiving all things in the name of Christ asking no questions or else you may be labeled judgmental. The same chapter vs. 15, says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits”. How can you then know false prophets without judging first? The One who said do not judge at the beginning is giving indication that it’s ok to judge. I think the “judge not” is in reference to someone’s salvation. There could be 101 clear signs suggesting someone is not saved, the ultimate judge of their souls is God. We can share the gospel and let them examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. The judging I am still addressing today is discernment, what is going into my system must be evaluated. I hate to be deceived, deception is lethal the reason we have to judge everything preached and said by the word of God.

Whoever Believes, Benjamen Leahey

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I would like to share with you this morning about the word ‘believes.’ I pray you will read with an open heart, I pray a desire and hunger will be awakened within someone this morning for more of God, to go on to the fullness prepared for each of us in Christ as we walk by faith.

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 1of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

One of the books in the bible I ever struggled to understand was the book of Romans. When I finally understood it’s message and application, it has become one of my favorite books. I wonder if you have ever spent some time studying it. I hope to share from the first chapter which lays a foundation for the entire book.

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 2of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Why is the book of Romans instrumental to us?, because it is the heartbeat of the gospel. I don’t see how anyone can understand why 80-90% of people who make a profession of faith fall away until they have studied this master piece. Do you know that 88% of children raised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18 never to return? These rates are very alarming. If the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, shouldn’t the same power that saves be the same power that keeps unless the power that keeps never saved in the first place?

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 3of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

In vs. 5, we come to learn how Paul’s journey began and how our Journey in Christ begins. He says, “Vs. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship /for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”. I break vs. 5&6 in sections.

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 4of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

I fast forward to verse 16, 17 and 18 which summarizes the theme of Romans in my judgment. However I work my way backwards starting with 18-16. I choose this approach because verse 18 highlights verse 17, and verse 17 highlights verse 16.

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 5of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

I draw our attention back to Vs. 18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”. The “for” introduces an argument which shows that Christ’s gospel is the world’s only hope. Not only by the declarations of the Holy Scriptures, and His judgments, but by nature’s teachings, and by the human conscious. God has given all me conscious which means “with knowledge”. Our day, men suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Where conscious is tampered with, it’s nearly impossible to bring about conviction.

Romans Chapter 1 Study, Part 6of12, Evans Olang

Romans 1:1-31, “16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

The greatest sin is unbelief, the exchange of the glory of God for corruptible things. What we know as sin stems from the exchange, by first denial of who God is and His attributes. Vs. 19, says, “because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”. I think this vs. sums up the problem of man. You get rid of God and you have no accountability, anything goes.