The Word Became Flesh (Week 28) John 10:1-10 “I AM The Door”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 28) John 10:1-10 “I AM The Door”
Throughout the Scriptures, the people of God are often characterized as sheep, and those who
lead them, both politically and spiritually, are referred to as shepherds. I personally understand this
comparison, for I have a small sheep farm myself. And I can tell you first hand, that sheep are not the
toughest of creatures. They need quite a bit of tending. They can be stubborn, as well as, foolish. They
tend to “live in the moment”, their only concern being the next bite of grass that they can feast upon.
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- 02/27/2022The Word Became Flesh (Week 28) John 10:1-10 “I AM The Door”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 28) John 10:1-10 “I AM The Door”The Word Became Flesh (Week 28) John 10:1-10 “I AM The Door”Throughout the Scriptures, the people of God are often characterized as sheep, and those who lead them, both politically and spiritually, are referred to as shepherds. I personally understand this comparison, for I have a small sheep farm myself. And I can tell you first hand, that sheep are not the toughest of creatures. They need quite a bit of tending. They can be stubborn, as well as, foolish. They tend to “live in the moment”, their only concern being the next bite of grass that they can feast upon.
- 02/23/2022The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 2:8-11 “Smyrna: The Persecuted Church”
The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 2:8-11 “Smyrna: The Persecuted Church”The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 2:8-11 “Smyrna: The Persecuted Church”Last week in our study, we examined the letter to the Church of Ephesus. The Church there had “lost their first love” (Rev. 2:4) and had deteriorated from serving Christ out of devotion, to simply serving out of some dutiful obligation. There is a major difference between duty and devotion. Duty will only take a person so far, but devotion will lead someone to follow even unto death, if necessary.https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Revelation_Chapter-2_02-23-2022.pdfTo Give to our church: https://www.freedomwhitepine.org/give/be sure to select the Greeneville campus Thank You
- 02/20/2022The Word Became Flesh (Week 27) John 9:35-41 “Do You Believe in The Son of Man?”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 27) John 9:35-41 “Do You Believe in The Son of Man?”The Word Became Flesh (Week 27) John 9:35-41 “Do You Believe in The Son of Man?”When the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth, I cannot help but wonder if he had the story of Jesus restoring sight to the blind beggar in mind. And yes, before anyone says it, I am aware that the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians predate the writing of John’s Gospel. However, I am also fairly sure the story had been told many times over before The Gospel of John was formally introduced.
- 02/13/2022DTR – Fan or Follower Luke 9: 23-26 / 57-62
DTR – Fan or Follower Luke 9: 23-26 / 57-62DTR – Fan or Follower Luke 9: 23-26 / 57-62D.T.R. stands for Define the Relationship. This is an official talk that takes place at some point in a romantic relationship to determine the level of commitment. You define the relationship and decide where things stand – is it casual, or is it committed. But there comes a point when it’s important to Define the Relationship and you see if things have moved passed infatuation or admiration and moving towards deeper devotion and commitment. And how you feel about the DTR talk is determined by how committed you are to the relationship.
- 02/06/2022The Word Became Flesh (Week 26) John 9:1-34 CSB “Believing is Seeing”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 26) John 9:1-34 CSB “Believing is Seeing”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 26) John 9:1-34 CSB “Believing is Seeing”
I simply love how The Bible so often illustrates truths by contrasts. For example, the narrative in 1 Samuel shows us the difference between Saul, a king who lived to honor himself, and David, a man who longed to honor God. Neither man was sinless, but we can clearly see for ourselves the difference between their hearts. - 02/02/2022The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 1:10-2:7 “Ephesus, The Loveless Church”
The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 1:10-2:7 “Ephesus, The Loveless Church”The Seven Churches of Revelation Revelation 1:10-2:7 “Ephesus, The Loveless Church”The word “revelation” (apokalypsis in the Greek) simply means to “make something’s true nature visible”. John, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, under the direction of The Spirit gave his last book this title because it was given to him that the true nature of Jesus should be revealed.
- 01/30/2022The Word Became Flesh (Week 25) John 8:30-59 “Faith + Following = Freedom”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 25) John 8:30-59 “Faith + Following = Freedom”The Word Became Flesh (Week 25) John 8:30-59 “Faith + Following = Freedom”Have you ever known someone who came to a church service, heard the Word of God being preached and responded in what appeared to be genuine faith, and then went immediately back to their old sinful ways? If you have been in church for any length of time, then the answer is a resounding “yes!”
- 01/26/2022Revelation Introduction “The Unveiling” Revelation Chapter 1
Revelation Introduction “The Unveiling” Revelation Chapter 1Revelation Introduction “The Unveiling” Revelation Chapter 1The book of Revelation is arguably the most controversial writing in all of Scripture. It has been been misinterpreted, misunderstood, and often even completely avoided by many who claim to be legitimate Bible teachers! Any time the book is even mentioned it has a chilling effect even on people who claim to be Christians. But I man here to tell you that no true believer in Jesus Christ should ever fear the message of Revelation. For to the unbeliever, the message of the book speaks of the coming wrath of God. But to the believer, it speaks of the day when all things will be set right in this wicked world. This is why that John, the author of the book is able to boldly proclaim:
- 01/23/2022The Word Became Flesh (Week 24) John 8:12-29 “The Light Of The World”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 24) John 8:12-29 “The Light Of The World”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 24) John 8:12-29 “The Light Of The World”
I never cease to be amazed at all the “so-called” Bible scholars out there who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. When in reality, He went around claiming equality with God all the time! - 01/02/2022Matthew 27:11-26 Him or Me
Matthew 27:11-26 Him or MeJoin us Sunday as Pastor Edd Schieri brings a message about a choice we all must make! Click for Notes: https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Matt-27-Barabbas.pdf
- 12/19/2021finding…….c H r I s t M a s(Week 3)Matthew 2:1-12“Wise Men Still Seek Him”
finding…….c H r I s t M a s(Week 3)Matthew 2:1-12“Wise Men Still Seek Him”finding…….c H r I s t M a s(Week 3)Matthew 2:1-12“Wise Men Still Seek Him”Over the past few weeks we have been studying the journeys of all those whom God called to the manger in Bethlehem. They came from different backgrounds and different walks of life, but they were all called by God Himself to the same place, to find… Him. As Believers, we too have been called on a spiritual journey that will end with us standing in the very presence of our LORD Jesus. God has invited us all on this journey. Just like those in “The Christmas Story”, we have all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life to find… Him. How sad it is that many will refuse to take this journey of faith, because they love the things of this world more than they long to see the face of Jesus. Nothing can ever compare with finding… Him!
- 12/15/2021Daniel Chapter 12 The Prince of this World, The Prince of Israel, and The Prince of Peace
Daniel Chapter 12 The Prince of this World, The Prince of Israel, and The Prince of PeaceDaniel Chapter 12 The Prince of this World, The Prince of Israel, and The Prince of PeaceAs we come to the final chapter in the book of Daniel, we begin with the opening phrase, “At that time...”. The time referred to here by the angel is the time of the last king, the Antichrist. He will preside over the final chapter in Israel's history. His seven-year reign will be divided into two halves. During the first half he will appear as a friend to the Jewish people, but during the last half of his reign, he will become the greatest persecutor that the nation of Israel has ever known. The final three and one-half years of unimaginable horror is known as “The Great Tribulation” and will be the worst days that this world will ever endure. Satan's final assault of hatred for the chosen people of God will be poured out like a sea of molten lava destroying any who find themselves in its path, but just like a refiners fire, it will purify those who endure causing them to shine like sparkling jewels among the stars of heaven
- 12/12/2021finding….c H r I s t M a s (Week 2) Luke 2:8-20 “Who Invited THEM?”
finding….c H r I s t M a s (Week 2) Luke 2:8-20 “Who Invited THEM?”finding….c H r I s t M a s (Week 2) Luke 2:8-20 “Who Invited THEM?”When I was a kid, we used to sing this Christmas Carol called “The First Noel”. Remember that one? We sang it every Christmas, but to be completely honest with you, I had no earthly idea what a “Noel” was! I always thought it was “Leon” spelled backwards, but come to think of it, that didn’t make any sense either! Noel is actually a French word that has come to mean “Christmas”. But, it was originally derived from a word meaning new birth. In the context of the old hymn, it means the very first announcement of the “new birth” of the Christ Child was given to some poor and lowly shepherds, who were keeping their flocks in the fields that were adjoining the tiny city of Bethlehem. Have you ever really stopped to think that God, in His infinite wisdom, chose some poor and lowly shepherds to be the first to know that The King of Kings and Lord of Lords had just made his entrance into this weary world? It wasn’t the “rich or famous”, nor the “movers and shakers” that received “that first Noel”, but rather God wanted a group of “social outcasts” to be told first that a Savior had come.
- 12/08/2021Daniel Chapter 11:36-45(Part 4)The Last Wicked King
Daniel Chapter 11:36-45(Part 4)The Last Wicked King
- 12/05/2021finding… c H r I s t M a s Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7 “The Journey of Mary and Joseph”
finding… c H r I s t M a s Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7 “The Journey of Mary and Joseph”finding… c H r I s t M a s Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7 “The Journey of Mary and Joseph”Have you ever noticed throughout the scriptures that those whom God calls are, more often than not, sent on some sort of journey? Think about it for a moment; Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel and the entire nation of Israel, just to name a few. All were sent out into some type of “wilderness” of God’s choosing. They were required to leave behind all that they knew, and with which they were familiar, and sent to places where only God could sustain them. I believe that there is a spiritual truth that we should glean from this. In his famous devotional book, Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby makes a statement that I have always thought to have profound significance. He said, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Sounds simple doesn’t it?
- 12/01/2021Daniel Chapter 11:21-35(Part 3)Antiochus Epiphanes
Daniel Chapter 11:21-35(Part 3)Antiochus EpiphanesDaniel Chapter 11:21-35(Part 3)Antiochus EpiphanesUpon the utter defeat of Antiochus The Great by the Romans, near Ephesus in 190 B.C., the Romans deemed it necessary to give the Syrian King a strong incentive to never again invade territory held by Rome. As we have previously discussed, the Romans imposed heavy war reparation taxes upon Antiochus, which left his kingdom in serious financial distress. As if this weren't enough, they decided to take Antiochus' youngest son, Mithradates, along with other captives to Rome in order to insure the Syrian King's total compliance. Mithradates, who was only 25 years old at the time would be held as a Roman captive for approximately fourteen years. This is a possible explanation for the deep seated anger and cruelty that were to become ingrained into the character of the young Syrian prince, for he would one day return to his homeland and take out his uncontrollable rage on any who dared to defy his will. In short, he became a monster, a psychopathic tyrant with all of his fathers ambition for power, coupled with a sadistic compulsion to revel in the suffering of his enemies.
- 11/28/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 23) John 8:2-11 “Written In The Dust”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 23) John 8:2-11 “Written In The Dust”The Word Became Flesh Week 23 John 8:2-11 “Written In The Dust”The story of the woman caught in adultery is a picture of both righteousness and grace. It teaches us that Christ is the only righteous judge of our sin, and yet, He offers us His grace, rather than the judgment that we deserve. No wonder this story is a beloved favorite of so many believers! It should serve as a reminder to us all that what we deserve and what He offers us are two vastly different things. Thank God for sending His One and Only Son to die in our place. For you see, this is the only way that the wrath of a just and righteous God could ever be satisfied. His righteousness had to be reconciled with mercy in order for us to be saved. This miracle of grace was accomplished upon the cross of Christ.
- 11/21/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 22) John 7:37-8:1“Streams Of Living Water”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 22) John 7:37-8:1“Streams Of Living Water”The Word Became Flesh Week 22John 7:37-8:1“Streams Of Living Water”As we finish our study of John Chapter 7, I would like to do things a bit different than usual. The chapter continues to show the different debates going on among the people as to the identity of Jesus. Some claim that He was a deceiver of the people. Others said that He was a good man. Some accused Him of being demon-possessed, while still, others believed in Him. The same is true today. People are all over the spectrum when it comes to Christ, but those who truly come to Him by faith are forever changed as a result.
- 11/13/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 21) John 7:14-36 “Who Is This Man?”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 21) John 7:14-36 “Who Is This Man?”The Word Became Flesh Week 21 John 7:14-36 “Who Is This Man?”After Jesus’s family caravan had left to attend the Feast of Tabernacles, He secretly made His way into Jerusalem. I believe that He, more than likely, entered into the city once again by the Sheep Gate, not wanting to draw any attention to Himself. The time make Himself known would come during Passover some six months later. Jesus must have made every effort just to blend into the crowd. Dressed in His normal homespun clothing, He would have looked like just another ordinary sojourner from Israel making His pilgrimage to the holy city as required by law to celebrate the week long feast of Tabernacles.
- 11/07/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 20) John 7:1-13 “Steps Ordered By God”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 20) John 7:1-13 “Steps Ordered By God”The Word Became Flesh (Week 20) John 7:1-13 “Steps Ordered By God”Many people in this world today have absolutely no concept of what it means to have one’s steps “ordered by God”. They go about their lives, living as if they are in complete control over what they do. While every man has been granted a “free will” to make decisions for themselves, it is ridiculous to believe that we have any sort of control over what happens in this wicked world. Life on the earth is akin to being on a worn and much-embattled ship, sails frail and torn, aimlessly drifting from one tempest at sea to the next. Anyone who has lived long enough to have some degree of wisdom will tell you that we have absolutely no control over our situation.
- 10/31/2021The Word Became Flesh(Week 19)John 6:51-71“Give Me Faith”
The Word Became Flesh(Week 19)John 6:51-71“Give Me Faith”The Word Became Flesh(Week 19)John 6:51-71“Give Me Faith”Salvation is a free gift. But in order to receive it, a person must first realize that they need it. And once a person realizes that they are lost and in need of saving, they must humbly come to Jesus in faith and receive the gift of salvation. It is quite a simple thing really, but so hard for many to accept.
- 10/27/2021Daniel Chapter 11:1-8 The Seventy “Can’t We All Just Get Along?”
Daniel Chapter 11:1-8 The Seventy “Can’t We All Just Get Along?”Come and Learn with us! Chapter 11:1-8 The Seventy “Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Notes: https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Daniel-Chapter-11_vs.1-8_FFG_10-27-2021.pdf
- 10/24/2021The Word Became Flesh(Week 18)John 6:29-51“The Bread of Life”
The Word Became Flesh(Week 18)John 6:29-51“The Bread of Life”The Word Became Flesh(Week 18)John 6:29-51“The Bread of Life”“I AM the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.” John 6:35In the Gospel of John, there are seven “I AM” statements of Christ. In the Sixth Chapter, we come to the first of them: “I AM the bread of life.” This “I AM” statement comes immediately after the feeding of the five thousand, near the fishing village of Bethsaida. That evening, Jesus sent His disciples across the lake to get them away from the temptation of the crowd, who wanted to start up a rebellion against the Roman government. Christ went up the mountain to pray, and afterward, He rejoined the disciples when He walked on the water to meet up with their boat during a fierce storm. He stilled the waters, as well as their fears, and they were immediately taken ashore.
- 10/10/2021Even In The Valley 1 Kings 20: 22-29 By Steven Reynolds
Even In The Valley 1 Kings 20: 22-29 By Steven ReynoldsEven In The Valley 1 Kings 20: 22-29 By Steven Reynolds 1. Be Thankful for difficult times, these are the times when we GROW to depend on God more. 2. Be Thankful for our limitations, these are the times when we learn just how POWERFUL God can be in our lives. 3. Be Thankful for our challenges, these are the times when God is building our STRENGTH and CHARACTER in Him. 4. Be Thankful for our mistakes, these are the times when God is TEACHING us valuable lessons Conclusion: THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY I WALKED THROUGH TODAY. THE DARKER THE VALLEY THE MORE I LEARN TO PRAY. I FOUND YOU WHERE THE LILLIES ARE BLOOMING BY THE WAY. AND I THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY I WALKED THROUGH TODAY. LIFE CAN'T BE ALL SUNSHINE OR THE FLOWERS WOULD DIE. THE RIVERS WOULD BE DESERTS ALL BARREN AND DRY. LIFE CAN'T BE ALL BLESSINGS FOR THERE'D BE NO NEED TO PRAY. SO I THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY I WALKED THROUGH TODAY. CHORUS) THANK YOU FOR EVERY HILL I'VE CLIMBED FOR EVERY TIME THE SUN DIDN'T SHINE. THANK YOU FOR EVERY LONLEY NIGHT I PRAYED UNTIL I KNEW THAT EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. AND I THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY I WALKED THROUGH TODAY
- 10/06/2021Daniel Chapter 9:20-27 The Seventy “Sevens”
Daniel Chapter 9:20-27 The Seventy “Sevens”Daniel Chapter 9:20-27 The Seventy “Sevens”Introduction Upon the conclusion of Daniel's prayer, the Archangel Gabriel (whom Daniel had previously met in Chapter 8) is immediately dispatched with the answer. Gabriel's arrival coincides with the time of the evening sacrifice (vs. 21). When the Jews were still living in their beloved homeland, two sacrifices would be offered to God every day; one in the morning and one in the evening. The time of the evening sacrifice came at 3 p.m. each day, which was precisely the time of day that Christ would later yield up His spirit upon the cross (Matt. 27:50). This is no coincidence, considering that Jesus was the Lamb of God, given for the sins of the world (John 1:29). He was the final evening sacrifice, the last one to ever be required. It is fitting therefore, when Gabriel brings the revelation of the seventy weeks foretelling the suffering of the coming Messiah, that he arrives at precisely the time of the evening sacrifice! Our God is an Awesome God! He pays careful attention to every detail.
- 09/29/2021Daniel Chapter 9:1-19 The Prayers of a Righteous Man
Daniel Chapter 9:1-19 The Prayers of a Righteous Man
- 09/26/2021The WORD Became Flesh (Week 16) John 6:1-15 “The People God Uses”
The WORD Became Flesh (Week 16) John 6:1-15 “The People God Uses”The WORD Became Flesh (Week 16) John 6:1-15 “The People God Uses”Have you ever had self-doubt? I mean, it's so easy to do. You just take a look around and see so many people who seem to have more talent, more intelligence, more education, and quite honestly, more of EVERYTHING, and find yourself feeling inadequate. I've done that many times. I've often heard that voice inside my head that says, "Why are you even trying to do this? Don't you realize how unqualified you are?" If you have ever felt like this, then I have some awesome news for you... Jesus USES nobodies just like us! The Devil loves to make us feel insignificant, and in our own strength, we are. But fortunately for us, we have not been called to live within our own strength. Christ calls us to offer up all that we have to Him, and then, see the miraculous things that He can do with it. A person who truly belongs to Jesus can do anything! This is exactly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). So the next time the Devil whispers in your ear that you are a nobody, just remember that, thanks to the cross of Calvary, you are a child of the Almighty God, and the sky is the limit for you. You CAN make a difference. In fact, you have been set apart by the gospel of Christ to do just that.
- 09/19/2021Growing Pains – Philippians 1:6 By Steven Reynolds
Growing Pains – Philippians 1:6 By Steven ReynoldsGrowing Pains - Philippians 1:6 By Steven Reynolds Growing Pains -Philippians 1:6 A Look At Jonah -He had 3 Growing Pain Issues.A. He Was Out Of Touch With His MessageB. He Was Out Of Touch With His SurroundingsC. He Was In Touch With His Own ComfortConclusion: David Livingstone - "God send me anywhere, only go with me, lay any burdens on me, only sustain me, and sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
- 09/12/2021Prideful Planning – James 4 13-17 by Pastor Edd Shieri
Prideful Planning – James 4 13-17 by Pastor Edd Shieri
Prideful Planning James 4 13- by Pastor Edd Shieri
Sometimes we think that God will just take care of us no matter what we get into, that He won’t allow us to make poor choices or even that He will bless us in whatever we plan to do.- This is a total mistake! - Are any of you immune to life’s unpredictability? I know I am not! - 09/05/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 15) John 5:30-47 “…But I Know You”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 15) John 5:30-47 “…But I Know You”The Word Became Flesh (Week 15) John 5:30-47 “…But I Know You”IntroductionFor you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth (Isa. 53:9), when He was insulted, He did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One Who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23Christ was sinless. We know this for a fact because The Bible tells us so. And part of being without sin is being completely free of deceit. When the disciple Peter described The LORD Jesus, he said that there was not “deceit” (or guile) in His mouth. This simply means that Jesus was completely truthful in all of His dealings with those around Him. He never once lied, when asked a question, and He never once told the people what they wanted to hear, rather than the absolute truth. If someone wants to find real truth, they need look no further than Jesus.
- 08/29/2021The Word Became Flesh(Week 14)John 5:24 – 29“Life and Death”
The Word Became Flesh(Week 14)John 5:24 – 29“Life and Death”
The Word Became Flesh(Week 14)John 5:24 - 29“Life and Death”
Introduction. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4 As we discussed previously, there can be no dispute as to whether or not Jesus publicly claimed to be equal with God. In fact, the Scriptures are clear that He did. And it is for that reason alone, that the religious leaders of Jerusalem wanted to kill Him. To them, He was a blasphemer deserving of execution, but to those who could truly see Him, He was the light of men. Jesus brings light and life where there was once only darkness and death. This is the reason that He came, to seek and save those who are lost. And everyone who believes in Him is passed from death unto life. - 08/22/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 13) John 5:17-23 “God With Us”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 13) John 5:17-23 “God With Us”The Word Became Flesh (Week 13) John 5:17-23 “God With Us”IntroductionTherefore, The LORD Himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, and have a Son, and name Him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14Long before the birth of Christ, God had spoken of Him by the prophets. The message was clear. Someone was coming to this world, the likes of which no one had seen before. Moses foretold of the Great Prophet that was to come (Deuteronomy 18:5). Zechariah spoke of the One Who would be “The Branch” (Zechariah 3:8), an offshoot from King David’s roots. Daniel spoke of the Anointed One, Who would come to die (Daniel 9:26). But it is Isaiah who explains that this Messiah Prophet would also be God incarnate, Immanuel meaning literally “God with us”. John carries this theme for us through his entire gospel so that there can be no room for doubt that Jesus is in fact God.In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God. John 1:1And then he says:The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14
- 08/08/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 12) John 5:1-16 “Not Everyone Gets It”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 12) John 5:1-16 “Not Everyone Gets It”The Word Became Flesh Week 12 John 5:1-16 “Not Everyone Gets It”Introduction…There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12The Fifth Chapter of John begins by saying… “After this..”, John is referring to the events of the previous chapter that tells the story of the healing of the nobleman’s son in Cana. Following the second sign miracle in John’s eyewitness account of Jesus in chapter four, John then immediately takes us back to the city of Jerusalem to bear witness to the third sign miracle. It is important to note that Jesus performed many great signs between these two events. You can find several of them recorded in the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But under the guiding hand of The Holy Spirit, John has chosen his set of specific events in the three years of Christ’s earthly ministry to convince his readers that Jesus is indeed The Son of God (John 20:31). He goes on to say at the end of his writings that there were “many other things that Jesus did” that were not included in this gospel (John 21:25).
- 08/01/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 11) John 4:43-54 “Believe and Be Healed”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 11) John 4:43-54 “Believe and Be Healed”The Word Became Flesh Week 11 John 4:43-54 “Believe and Be Healed”Introduction“…so that everyone who BELIEVES in Him will not perish…” John 3:16 (partial)After His two day stay in Samaria, Jesus continued northward to His home region of Galilee. The religious leaders of Judea, with few exceptions, had dismissed Him, preferring to stir up controversy between Him and The Baptizer in hopes that they would both go away. Jesus, rather than be involved in such childish things, made His way back home. He had been raised in Nazareth, and He knew that even those who knew Him best would have their doubts, but some there would also come to believe in Him. So, He took the road from Samaria with a word of warning to His disciples:Jesus Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in His home country. John 4:44
- 07/25/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 10) John 4:27-42 “Priorities”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 10) John 4:27-42 “Priorities”
The Word Became Flesh Week 10 John 4:27-42 “Priorities”
Introduction One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 As I studied this passage in preparation for the message this week, I became increasingly aware of just how many incredible truth’s that I had previously missed in this story. I mean, we all know about the sinful Samaritan woman and her encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s well. We all know how she returned to her village of Sychar and spread the news that Messiah had come to their town. But there are so many other valuable lessons here, for each and every believer, "hidden in plain sight” that we should see. - 07/18/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 9) John 4:1-26 “The Unthinkable Just Happened”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 9) John 4:1-26 “The Unthinkable Just Happened”Introduction “What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I don’t want to’, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. ‘I will sir,’ he answered, but he didn’t go. Which of the two did his fathers will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”Matthew 21:28-31The Pharisees in Judea apparently wanted to stir up a rivalry between John The Baptist and Jesus. Everyone could see for themselves that a great number of those who had followed John had left him to follow Christ. While it made John happy, it stirred up a controversy for others. And the religious leaders were egging it on. They wanted both of these men to just go away. So, as a result, they were willing to do everything in their power to see that it happened. And what better way to put an end to what they saw as a threat to their corrupt system, than to cause an all-out “holy war” between Jesus and John? The Son of God saw right through it and left the area altogether.
- 07/14/2021Daniel Chapter 6 “Virtuous, Vindictive, Vanity, Victory”
Daniel Chapter 6 “Virtuous, Vindictive, Vanity, Victory”Daniel Chapter 6 “Virtuous, Vindictive, Vanity, Victory”Daniel in the Den of Lions 1 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.
- 07/11/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 8) John 3:22-36 “He Must Increase”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 8) John 3:22-36 “He Must Increase”The Word Became Flesh (Week 8) John 3:22-36 “He Must Increase”Introduction He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:29-30 There are no “quotation marks” in the original Greek manuscripts of The New Testament. Therefore, in chapters like this Third Chapter of John, where so many different characters are being quoted, it becomes more of a challenge to know who is speaking, and where their conversation ends and others begin. This really isn’t all that important for we know that The Bible is The Word of God, inspired by The Holy Spirit, so in essence, no matter who is speaking, it is God’s truth being conveyed.
- 07/04/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 7) John 3:16 – 3:21 “Nicodemus Part 2”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 7) John 3:16 – 3:21 “Nicodemus Part 2”The Word Became Flesh (Week 7) John 3:16 - 3:21 “Nicodemus Part 2”IntroductioFor God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17These words of Jesus spoken to Nicodemus that fateful night are among the most quoted if not THE most quoted verses in all of Scripture. Those of us who grew up in church had John 3:16 memorized, before we knew of any other verses. And understandably so, for in this wonderful declaration from The LORD Himself, we are shown the full measure of God’s love. “For God so loved…that He GAVE”. And what did He give? His One and Only Son to die for our sins… in our stead. No one has ever loved like God loves. But we must also remember that it is not love that saves us. God loved the world, but we know that all the world will not be saved. So love alone will not save the world. This love of God, that gave us this wonderful gift of His Son, can only be realized by faith. For it is through faith in Jesus that the love of God is accepted and manifested in marvelous grace.
- 06/30/2021Daniel Chapter 5 “Counted, Counted, Weighed, and Divided”
Daniel Chapter 5 “Counted, Counted, Weighed, and Divided”“Counted, Counted, Weighed, and Divided”
- 06/27/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 6) John 2:23-3:16 “The Original Nick at Night”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 6) John 2:23-3:16 “The Original Nick at Night”The Word Became Flesh (Week 6) John 2:23-3:16 “The Original Nick at Night”The break between John Chapters 2 and 3 is unfortunate, for the last thoughts of Chapter 2 actually lead into the story of Nicodemus. Jesus could tell if someone was sincere or not, he needed no one else’s opinion on the subject, for He can see directly into the heart of every human being. He knows what is true and what is false. Many believed that He was very special because of the miracles that He performed, much the same as many today are enthralled with their favorite movie star or entertainer, but it doesn’t last. This kind of devotion is both superficial and fleeting. When people grow tired of the hype, then they are on to the next emotional high. Jesus knew full well that some of the very people who were flattering Him then would later be the same who would cry “crucify Him” in the end. It was just a simple matter of time.
- 06/20/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 5) John 2:12-25 “When God Goes to Church”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 5) John 2:12-25 “When God Goes to Church”The Word Became Flesh (Week 5) John 2:12-25 “When God Goes to Church”Music is good when it is directed to Jesus. Preaching is good when it points us to Christ, the only hope for fallen man. But religious activity apart from The Holy Spirit is a waste of time and effort. This world has plenty of all that is meaningless. It seems that there is a new “cause” with its false gods and its useless altars of worship arising every day. None of which truly addresses the disease of sin in this world. And none of it will satisfy the hunger and thirst of a lost soul. This world needs Jesus. So be it far from us to distract people from Him in any way. God forbid that we offer empty worship instead of The Risen LORD! For when this occurs, Jesus may just come to clean house!
- 06/13/2021The Word Became Flesh (Week 4) John 2:1-11 “The Wedding, The Workers, and The Wine”
The Word Became Flesh (Week 4) John 2:1-11 “The Wedding, The Workers, and The Wine”Week 4) John 2:1-11 “The Wedding, The Workers, and The Wine”IntroductionHis mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5As John takes us all the way through the first full week of Jesus’s earthly ministry, we come to the last day, when Jesus and His disciples were invited to attend a wedding feast. The chapter begins with the phrase, “On the third day…”. This simply means that it occurred three days after the calling of the first disciples. But it is actually the seventh day of that first week of Christ’s earthly ministry. I believe that it is no coincidence that this week ended as such, for when Christ’s work on earth is finished and He returns for His bride (The Church), the culmination of it all will be the marriage supper of The Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9). We, who are believers, are ever looking forward to the wedding feast that comes at the end. This is the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. We must always remember that The Word of God is filled with wonderful reminders of the spiritual realities that we have in Christ!
- 05/23/2021The Harvest- Luke 10:1-20
The Harvest- Luke 10:1-20The Harvest- Luke 10:1-20Join us Sunday as Pastor Edd takes us through; The Workers, The Wisdom, and The Winners of those Jesus sent out do the same work as John the Baptist. To go and prepare the way for the Lord.
- 05/16/2021The WORD Became Flesh (Week 3) John 1:35-51 “Come And See”
The WORD Became Flesh (Week 3) John 1:35-51 “Come And See”The WORD Became Flesh (Week 3) John 1:35-51 “Come And See”IntroductionTaste and see that The LORD is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him! Psalms 34:8As John continues to call “witnesses” to give testimony to the true identity of Jesus, The Son of God, it is a natural progression to move from the witness of John The Baptist to the very first disciples of Christ. Unlike the other gospel writers, John never actually gives an exhaustive list of all the disciples' names, but he does mention how some of them came to be followers of Christ. As John records the very first week of Christ’s earthly ministry, we now learn from his account that on the third day of that week the very first of the disciples began to follow after Jesus. And they do so because of the testimony of John The Baptist. Not many preachers these days would send their congregation away to follow another leader, but that is exactly what John The Baptist did. For you see, his concern was not for building a kingdom for himself, but rather, he wanted the world to know Christ.
- 05/09/2021The WORD Became Flesh (Week 2) John 1:19-34 “The Testimony of The Baptizer”
The WORD Became Flesh (Week 2) John 1:19-34 “The Testimony of The Baptizer”The WORD Became Flesh (Week 2) John 1:19-34 “The Testimony of The Baptizer”Introduction
I have seen and testified that this is The Son of God. John 1:34
As we have already seen, John presents his conclusions about Jesus in the opening statements
of his gospel. He then proceeds to call his witnesses to the stand, as it were, to show us how he has
come to his conclusions. The word for “testimony” in the Greek is “maturia”, and John uses that word or some form of it more than seventy-five times in this writing. Just as any attorney would make his case by the calling of witnesses, this is exactly what John is doing here. - 05/02/2021The WORD Became Flesh (Week 1) John 1:1-18 “The Word Became Flesh”
The WORD Became Flesh (Week 1) John 1:1-18 “The Word Became Flesh”The WORD Became Flesh (Week 1) John 1:1-18 “The Word Became Flesh”IntroductionBut these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, The Son of
God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name. John 20:31There can be no doubt as to the purpose for John’s writing of his gospel. No doubt, because he
tells near the end of it exactly why it was written. It was “written so you may believe”. And what does
John wants you to believe? That Jesus is God incarnate. The WORD made flesh. The opening
statements in the Gospel of John are a list of the mighty attributes of Christ. John begins his story by
explaining just Who Jesus IS, then he backs up his conclusions with sound eyewitness testimony. It’s as
if he gives you the final sum to the equation, and then takes you step by step through the process of how
he came to his conclusion. And make no mistake, John is out to prove to his readers, beyond any
shadow of a doubt, that Jesus IS GOD. - 04/25/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 18 – Final Week) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 “A Father’s Advice”
While I’m Waiting (Week 18 – Final Week) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 “A Father’s Advice”While I’m Waiting (Week 18 - Final Week) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 “A Father’s Advice”IntroductionNow we command you, brothers and sisters, in the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 2 Thessalonians 3:6Just this past week, I decided that we needed a picnic table in our backyard. When all of our kids come over for a visit, we like to cook out and sit outside together. So, we needed a pretty good-sized table to accommodate all of us. Rather than purchase so a large table, I decided to build it myself. That way I would be ensured of getting the exact dimensions that I wanted. I found some pictures online that were similar to what I wanted, but, of course, no plans. So I had to figure up all of the particulars on my own.
- 04/18/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 17) 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 “Pray For Us”
While I’m Waiting (Week 17) 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 “Pray For Us”
While I’m Waiting (Week 17) 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 “Pray For Us”
IntroductionBut when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father Who is in secret. And your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6Prayer: it is the most powerful thing that a Christian possesses, and yet, it is seldom utilized to its full potential. Jesus gave His life on the cross, so that our connection with God The Father could be reestablished, and once again, we could go to Him in prayer and instantly be heard. And yet, when you ask Believers what area of their Christian walk is the most lacking, most will honestly answer that it is in their prayer life. The Bible is filled with examples of prayers to help us understand just how this works. I personally believe that if a church gets its praying right, then it will see a wondrous work of God in its midst. Prayer is the key to it all, when it comes to being an effective servant of Christ. - 04/11/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 16) 2 Thessalonians 2:7-17 “Satan’s Final Push”
While I’m Waiting (Week 16) 2 Thessalonians 2:7-17 “Satan’s Final Push”IntroductionFor the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the One now restraining will do so until He is out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed. The LORD Jesus will destroy him with the breath of His mouth and will bring him to nothing at the appearance of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 7-8As we discussed previously in our study of the first portion of Chapter 2, The Spirit of God has, up to this point, been restraining the antichrist from making his final appearance on the scene. But there will come a day, when “the One Who” is holding him at bay will be taken out of the way. In other words, The Holy Spirit will allow the evil schemes of Satan to run unchecked upon this world. The restraining influence of The Spirit will be lifted so to speak, and the devil will be allowed to do his worst
- 04/04/2021Easter Sunday (2021) John 20:19-29 “And There Was Jesus”
Easter Sunday (2021) John 20:19-29 “And There Was Jesus”Easter Sunday (2021) John 20:19-29 “And There Was Jesus”Happy Easter! Today is the most sacred day of our faith. For it was on that first Easter morning that Jesus proved once and for all that He was exactly Who He claimed to be. He was the lamb of God sent to pay the price for all our sins. And His resurrection proclaims His final victory over death. And because He rose, we that have placed our faith in Him also have the guarantee of salvation and eternal life.
- 03/28/2021Matt 28 16 20 Great commission “Jesus says” – Edd Schieri
Matt 28 16 20 Great commission “Jesus says” – Edd SchieriMatt 28 16 20 Great commission "Jesus says" - Edd Schieri-I have a very simple question, what is the purpose of the church? -What is a disciple? A disciple is a follower of Christ, sounds easy right? “I’m a disciple, I follow Christ, story over, right? If you’ve got that down we are done for the day, enjoy the rest of your Sunday. You're dismissed. No no no, it’s not quite that easy, is it? -To be a disciple of Christ is going to cost you. You will have to fight against the temptations of this world, fight your flesh. You will go through trials; you’re going to be put to the fire. As a disciple you will suffer, you will go through somethings that are going to suck! You will be humiliated, mocked, and made fun of. You may be the only one in your family who believes in leaving you lonely. -A disciple must be totally devoted to their teacher. A disciple must do all they can to emulate their teacher’s life.
- 03/20/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 15) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Revelation 6:1-7 “The Restrainer”
While I’m Waiting (Week 15) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Revelation 6:1-7 “The Restrainer”While I’m Waiting (Week 15) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Revelation 6:1-7 “The Restrainer”As we continue our study of 2 Thessalonians, we can see that the church there had been given some bad information by false teachers. This was nothing new to Paul, for he had fought against this his entire ministry. It seemed that everywhere he went, there were those who would come along behind him and try to undo all that he had taught. The Thessalonians had received a letter claiming to be from the apostles, saying Paul had been mistaken in his previous teaching, and that the day of The LORD actually had already arrived. They were, therefore, terrified that they had missed the “parousia” (presence, or rapture of the Church) and were afraid.
- 03/13/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 14) 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “Walk Worthy”
While I’m Waiting (Week 14) 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “Walk Worthy”While I’m Waiting (Week 14) 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “Walk Worthy”IntroductionWill not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay helping them? I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when The Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth? Luke 18:7-8 After Paul reminded the Thessalonians that God would set things right when Jesus is revealed to this fallen world in all His glory, He continued by telling them how he prayed for them as they awaited that glorious day. God will make certain that His children shall one day see His justice brought down upon those who have caused their suffering. When Jesus returns in His splendor, He will glorify those who have believed in Him and pour out His wrath upon those who have caused one of His “little ones” to stumble (Matthew 18:6). Justice is coming with the return of Christ. Rest assured. So the only thing that we need to do in the meantime is ready ourselves for that day.
- 03/07/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 13) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10 “When Christ Sets Things Right”
While I’m Waiting (Week 13) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10 “When Christ Sets Things Right”While I’m Waiting (Week 13) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10 “When Christ Sets Things Right”Introduction I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. John 16:33 A few months after Paul had written his first epistle to the Thessalonians, he sent a second. For it seems that there was still a great deal of confusion regarding some of the questions and concerns that the church had expressed to Timothy, when he came to see about them. Paul wanted to make certain that the church remained on solid footing, when it came to their doctrine, so he quickly dispatched another letter to address their concerns and clarify any misconceptions.
- 02/28/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 12) 1 Thessalonians 5:19-28 “The To-Do List… Conclusion”
While I’m Waiting (Week 12) 1 Thessalonians 5:19-28 “The To-Do List… Conclusion”While I’m Waiting (Week 12) 1 Thessalonians 5:19-28 “The To-Do List… Conclusion”Introduction Now may The God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ. He Who calls you is faithful; He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 As we come to the close of Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica, we see that he was reminding them to follow the direction of The Holy Spirit in all things. In fact, it was with this admonition that he concluded his “to-do” list for the church. Paul wanted to be certain that the great work of The Spirit that had begun in the city was not hindered in any fashion. For you see, apart from the Holy Spirit, the church was/is just another social club. It is only by God’s Spirit that anything of lasting significance shall be accomplished. As Christ Himself has warned us:
- 02/20/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 11) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “The To-Do List… Part Two”
While I’m Waiting (Week 11) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “The To-Do List… Part Two”While I’m Waiting (Week 11) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “The To-Do List… Part Two”IntroductionBut you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9As we have previously discussed, when Paul closes out his letter to the Thessalonians, he gives them an extensive “to-do list”. The first section of the list tells us how we are to love and be patient with one another. The child of God, who has been filled with The Spirit of God, will naturally love. In fact, when we read the lists of The Spirit’s “fruit” that will be manifested in every believer, love tops the list.
- 02/06/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 10) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 “The To-do List… Part One”
While I’m Waiting (Week 10) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 “The To-do List… Part One”While I’m Waiting (Week 10) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 “The To-do List… Part One”Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 As we have learned the course of this study, The church at Thessalonica was only a few months old when Paul wrote them his first epistle. He had not been able to stay there with them as long as he would have liked. And that, I believe, is the reason that he so carefully prepared this letter for them. He wanted to make sure that he was perfectly clear about everything so that those who had not been brought up on sound doctrine all their lives would be able to completely understand what he was telling them.
- 01/30/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 9) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 “As Different as Night and Day”
While I’m Waiting (Week 9) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 “As Different as Night and Day”While I’m Waiting (Week 9) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 “As Different as Night and Day”This week's message will contrast how the end will be for Believers (the children of light)as opposed to non-believers (children of darkness). Highlighting the differences in how We (God's Children) are awake, they are asleep; We are sober, and they are drunk; We are not appointed to wrath, but the wrath of God remains upon them (John 3:36)
- 01/23/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 8) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “We Believe in The Rapture”
While I’m Waiting (Week 8) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “We Believe in The Rapture”
While I’m Waiting (Week 8) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “We Believe in The Rapture”
Believers Often need to be reminded that we do not simply have faith in Jesus, but by the power of The Spirit, we are placed IN Jesus! And as such, we are inseparable from the Love of God (Romans 8:35). Paul says, "encourage one another with these simple truths, that we believe:1. Christ died to save us. 2. Christ lives to Keep us. 3. Christ is coming back to take us.Join us to hear God's message delivered by Pastor Scott Childs this Sunday at 10:30. - 01/17/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 7) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 “A Closer Walk”
While I’m Waiting (Week 7) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 “A Closer Walk”Introduction Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 When God gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, He knew that we would never be able to live up to the standard set by them in our own human weakness. In fact, very shortly after The List was given to the people, a man was executed for picking up sticks to build his fire on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). He had blatantly disregarded The Law, and therefore, displayed his own contempt for the Word of God just days after he had been instructed to obey! It is the sinful nature of man to disobey God. And we must always remember that it is not The Commands that save us. No. It is by Commands that we are made aware that we NEED saving. As a privacy courtesy, our live feed of the Sunday service will no longer show the prayer before worship. We respect everyone's privacy, and while some are willing to share freely with the church, they may not wish to have those requests known to everyone. Therefore if you would like to have a request posted on our page please, Message the page or email us at freedomgreenevillelive@gmail.com You can also see Cameron Abelseth before or after the service. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We love you all and may God bless you.
- 01/10/2021While I’m Waiting (Week 6) 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 “A Prayer For The Church”
While I’m Waiting (Week 6) 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 “A Prayer For The Church”While I’m Waiting (Week 6) 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 “A Prayer For The Church”Introduction
Now may our God and Father Himself, and our LORD Jesus, direct our way to you.
And may The LORD cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another
and for everyone, just as we do for you. May He make your hearts blameless in
holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our LORD Jesus with all His
saints. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13At the beginning of every year in our church, we serve communion to families individually, and we
pray together for their specific needs. It is actually my favorite thing that we do here at Freedom
Fellowship, for it, gives me, as your pastor, the opportunity to pray with each of you and get to know you
on a more personal level. Nothing will unite a church more than praying together and lifting up one
another’s burdens before the throne of God. I believe that it is vital that believers love and pray for one
another, but I also believe that believers should be constantly in prayer for the LORD’S guidance and
provision for the church.
Prayer is the most powerful weapon that a believer possesses, and this is the reason that we are
commanded in scripture to be in a constant state of communication with God. - 12/26/2020Christmas 2020 Isaiah 9:1-7 “The Greatest Gift”
Christmas 2020 Isaiah 9:1-7 “The Greatest Gift”Christmas 2020 Isaiah 9:1-7 “The Greatest Gift”Introduction “But now, apart from The Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by The Law and the Prophets.” Romans 3:21 Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. It seems that no matter how old I get, every Christmas my mind goes back to when I was a child. Me and my two brothers would sneak into my parent's room when they were out, and we would shake the presents that mom had hidden under the bed or in the closet. She always wrapped them up as soon as she brought them home, so we wouldn’t figure out too soon what gifts we were getting. We usually did anyway. At least some of them.
- 12/19/2020Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”
Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”Peace On Earth Luke 2:41-52 “How to Find Peace in Trying Times”Introduction “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27 Last week, as part of our Christmas series, we learned how to have JOY in difficult times. We, as believers, have a never-ending source of joy from Christ Himself. Nothing can rob us of the JOY that we have been given in Christ Jesus. We have joy, for we have been chosen. We have joy for our LORD is sovereign. And therefore, we “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). This week, I would like to continue along this same line of hopeful messages from God’s Word and discuss how we can not only have joy in difficult times but PEACE, as well. When the angelic hosts announced the birth of the Christ Child to those chosen shepherds in Bethlehem, they shouted these words of praise into the night sky:
- 12/12/2020Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”
Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”Joy To The World (Christmas 2020) Luke 1:46-56, 2:1-7 “Finding Joy in Trying Times”A few years ago, back when it was acceptable to attend a music concert without risking your health and life, my wife and I attended an Oak Ridge Boys Christmas concert. (This is by no means a “spiritual endorsement” of The Oak Ridge Boys, I just happen to enjoy their music.) Anyways, we had a great time listening to all the Christmas Songs and just soaking up the whole “holiday spirit”, you might say. After the concert, Sandi bought me the group’s latest Christmas CD, which I have enjoyed immensely over the past few years. One of the songs on that CD is entitled “The Most Inconvenient Christmas”. As goes the typical country song, it is told in the form of a story. It is about a family traveling for the Christmas holiday to go and visit their grandfather. As the humorous story unfolds, we see the family experiencing one mishap after another. The car breaks down, and they have to spend the night in a truck stop until the repairs are finished, only to arrive a “grandpa’s” to find out that he had hung some faulty Christmas lights that caught fire and burned his house to the ground. Needless to say, it was a pretty unfortunate Christmas! But then the chorus of the song goes on to say, that although all this was inconvenient, “the most inconvenient Christmas ever was, was the first”. I think that we sometimes forget
- 12/05/2020Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”
Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”Christmas Luke 1:5-38 “The Setting, The Son, and The Servant”Introduction“Therefore, The LORD Himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive,
have a Son, and name Him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14The “Christmas Story”. We’ve all heard it so many times before, but it never loses its wonder. God became flesh and made His dwelling among men. He chose to appear in the lowliest of forms in the
lowliest places. The child of poor working-class parents in a part of the country that no one wished to live. It is a remarkable testimony to the fact that God did indeed “so love the world” (John 3:16), not just the most religious, or the upper-class persons of the world, but the world in its entirety. There was and is no one who is too “low” for Christ to reach. And He proved that where He chose to make His birth announcement. Nazareth was not on the list of the ten most desirable vacation destinations for the well to do. It was a little nothing-of-a-village with very little to offer in the way of reputation. In fact, there was a saying in those days that was well known throughout the region:“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46
- 11/28/2020Staying Focused on Christ in 2020
Staying Focused on Christ in 2020
This time of year, there is so much crazy going on—people shopping, traveling, cleaning, and preparing for guests. Then Christmas, if your Christmas is like a normal Christmas for us, you will drive more in 2 or 3 days then you normally would in a week, you will spend more time with people that you would rather not then you do all year, and you will spend more money on useless things that you know will only bring momentary happiness. Boy, I love what we have made Christmas all about. I know that we say things like don't forget the reason for the season, it's better to give than receive, and we want to keep Christ in Christmas. And those are all great things, but do we do it?
As a privacy courtesy, our live feed of the Sunday service will no longer show the prayer before worship.
We respect everyone's privacy, and while some are willing to share freely with the church, they may not wish to have those requests known to everyone. Therefore if you would like to have a request posted on our page please, Message the page or email us at freedomgreenevillelive@gmail.com You can also see Cameron Abelseth before or after the service.
Click here for Notes: https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-29-2020-Edd-Schieri-Stay-Focused-on-Jesus-in-2020-Matthew-14.pdfThank you for your understanding and continued support. We love you all and may God bless you
- 11/22/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”
While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”While I’m Waiting (Week 5) 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 “Thank God”IntroductionHow can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10What a joy it must have been for the Thessalonian Church when they received their first correspondence from the Apostle Paul! After all, he had only been with them a very short while before he had been run out of town. After his departure, wicked men came in and tried to discredit him by casting doubt upon his motives for coming to Thessalonica in the first place. Paul was used to this kind of persecution and would have never left the city, had it not been for his concern for Jason, the Jewish convert who had so kindly allowed Paul and his companions to stay with him. You see, the city officials had forced Jason to put up collateral that would be seized if Paul remained in Thessalonica. Not to mention the fact that Jason more than likely would have been arrested for harboring “criminals”.As a result, Paul and his companions departed much earlier than they had intended, all the while consumed with concern that the fledgling church that they had planted would not survive in the face of such tremendous opposition. But God… is faithful. It is HE, and He alone, that always finishes what He begins. I cannot help but wonder if seeing God complete the work in Thessalonica without Paul’s assistance was the catalyst that would strengthen the apostle’s own faith and enable him to write these words years later in his letter to the church at Philippi.I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
- 11/14/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”
While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”While I’m Waiting (Week 4) 1 Thessalonians 2:13- 16 “The Power of The Word”Abram believed The LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 Just this past week, I was contacted by a dear friend in the faith, who called me up for some advice. It seems that she, in her current position in life, finds herself surrounded by atheists from every possible direction. She is under a constant barrage of attacks upon her Christian beliefs. She does not want to shirk from her responsibilities as a believer to witness to those who are persecuting her. But she is struggling with maintaining her composer in the face of such verbal attacks. Her question to me was simple: “How can I continue to witness to these people without losing my temper?” I had to stop and ask God how to answer. After a quick moment of prayer for discernment, I suggested to her that she try a new approach. When they come to you and in their normal argumentative fashion attack you with their secular humanistic nonsense, listen politely until they have finished. After they are through beating you down with their ridiculous beliefs, ask them this simple question in a polite tone of voice; “May I tell you now what I believe?” If their answer is “No", then politely walk away. But if they say “Yes”, then begin your reply with, “The Bible says…”. After you say this, quote from the scriptures and then explain what those scriptures mean. Why did I tell her to approach them in this manner? Because our words alone have no power in them, but God’s word does, my friends. The word of God is packed with wonder-working power. The word in Greek that Paul uses to describe the working of God’s Word is “energeo” (pronounced en-ergeh’- o), and it is where we derive our word “energy” from. When God talks, there is immense power in His Words. That is why believing in what He tells us empowers us to be saved in the first place.
- 11/07/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
While I’m Waiting (Week 3) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “The Marks of a True Pastor”
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we
conducted ourselves with you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:10
In the first section of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul reminds the people of just how
he knows that their fellowship there is a work of The Holy Spirit and not of men. He knew that they were
the genuine article, because of the evidence that came as a result of their conversion.
We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by FAITH,
your labor motivated by LOVE, and your endurance inspired by HOPE in our LORD
Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (emphasis added)
You see, it was their faith, hope, and love that identified them as true believers. Their witness,
that came as a result of these three things, was in itself living proof that God had done a mighty work in
the city of Thessalonica. In spite of severe pressure and persecution, the church had “kept the faith”, as it
went about boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Contrary to what some may think, it is not the work of the church to change the government, enforce
the law, or right every wrong in society. Paul did not journey to Thessalonica in order to bring about some
social change or right some societal wrong. He went there to plant a church! Our commission is to
MAKE DISCIPLES, wherever we go. The more people that we win to Christ, the better the place in which
we live will become. As I am writing this, I cannot help but be saddened by the state of America today. It
has become a haunt for every demonic spirit imaginable. We will not solve this tragedy by voting for the
right politician. The state of our nation can only be made right by genuine remorse for our sin and
humbly turning to God in repentance. - 10/24/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes”
While I’m Waiting (Week 2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes”
Introduction Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead — Jesus, Who rescues us from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:8b-10 Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew for a fact that Jesus was coming back this afternoon? I imagine that folk's plans for the day would change dramatically, if they knew. Some would spend the day in constant prayer, repenting for the things that they should not have done, and for not doing the things that they should have done. Others would immediately pick up the phone and try to witness to those lost friends, neighbors, or relatives in the hope that they would receive Christ, before it’s too late. Still others would, more than likely, ignore the news altogether and just go living as normal. But the question is; what would you do?
- 10/17/2020A Life Pleasing To The Lord – Sunday, October 18th 1 Thessalonians 4:9 -12
A Life Pleasing To The Lord – Sunday, October 18th 1 Thessalonians 4:9 -12A Life Pleasing To The Lord - Sunday, October 18th 1 Thessalonians 4:9 12At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul prefaces his instructions on
purity, brotherly love, work by explaining that he is doing writing so that we
would know how we are to live and please God. - 10/10/2020Salty Mat 5:13-16
Salty Mat 5:13-16Salty Mat 5:13-16Today we are talking about salt and light. What is the purpose of the church? Disciples. How do we do that? Sharing the good news with others, Witnessing, Living it, right? If you are a citizen of heaven, then there are a few things that Jesus says about you. You are salt and light In those times, salt was vital. They did not have refrigerators, the youth have a hard time picturing that one, about as hard as in our time the phone was mounted to the wall and mobile meant you had a 9-foot cord. So anyway, they would pack fresh meat and fish they caught in salt to transport it to the market. It was used as we do today to flavor food as well. All I can think of would be salting a country ham; if it was packed in salt, how much more salt could it need? Salt was so important that sometimes Roman soldiers were paid with it. Probably a good reason Jesus used it to make His point. So, what does salt do? It preserves and amplifies the flavor of whatever it is used on. So, Jesus is saying that we are supposed to do the same. We are to help preserve the good in people and keep them from spoiling. As citizens of heaven, we are to put His word into practice in our lives. We should be honest, kind, and loving, helpful, compassionate, and truthful. We should be free of the chains that used to bind us.
- 10/03/2020While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
While I’m Waiting (Week 1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a “How Can I know if it’s Real”
Introduction There are lots of religious people out there, and amongst them, plenty of false teachers to go around. The doctrines we hear are as diverse as snowflakes, it seems. There are many who “claim” to be Christian, but their actions prove those claims to be false. So, just how can you tell if someone is “real” or not? This would seem to me to be an important question, as we live in these perilous times. After all, we are commanded in Scripture to avoid that which is false. So, wouldn’t it be important to separate truth from falsehood in order to be able to avoid those who would lead us astray? I believe so. And so did the Apostles of Christ.Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out in the world. 1 John 4:1And also:Now I urge you brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, because such people do not serve our LORD Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. Romans 16:17-18 - 09/26/2020Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”
Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”Not Ashamed (Conclusion: Week 39) Romans 16:17-27 “Words To Live By”Introduction The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore, I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:19In Paul’s final words to the church at Rome, he sends them greetings from the ministry delegation that was to accompany him to Jerusalem. In Chapter Sixteen of Romans, we see thirty-five names listed; twenty-six who had served with Paul previously and were now serving in Rome, and nine who were assembled with Paul at Corinth. The distinguishing characteristic of a good leader can be seen in the company who chooses to follow them. By this long list of exemplary servants, we see that Paul was indeed a good leader. It is interesting to note, that in the midst of Paul’s final words to the Romans, there is a short note from Tertius, Paul’s personal assistant, who actually transcribed this letter for Paul. By this time in his life, Paul’s eyesight was very poor, and he had to have help when writing to the churches. But even his disabilities could not diminish his zeal for ministry. People offer up all manner of excuses as to why they cannot serve in Christ’s kingdom, but Paul was certainly not one to make such excuses. He was a man who served faithfully right up until his final breath. His faithfulness is an example for all of us to follow. No matter what, as long as we have breath in us, we can serve our LORD is some manner. There are things that may slow us down, but nothing can stop us, for God is WITH US. The Corinthian Church was all too familiar with Paul’s physical impairments. They had seen them first hand, when he was with them, and later, they would be reminded of them once again when he wrote 2 Corinthians.
Notes are available here: https://www.ffgreeneville.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/09-27-2020_Not-Ashamed-Week-39-Conclusion.pdf As a privacy courtesy, our live feed of the Sunday service will no longer show the prayer before worship. We respect everyone's privacy, and while some are willing to share freely with the church, they may not wish to have those requests known to everyone. Therefore if you would like to have a request posted on our page please, Message the page or email us at freedomgreenevillelive@gmail.com You can also see Cameron Abelseth before or after the service. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We love you all and may God bless you…Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with The LORD three times that it would leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9
