E.P.I.C. Word of Truth

Assassination Attempt & It's Practical Theological Implications

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The recent events in our country should draw our hearts and minds to contemplate those three profound and interwoven truths:
The sovereignty of God,
The depravity of man,
And the fragility of life.
These truths reveal the grandeur of God's reign, the depths of our fallen state, and the fleeting nature of our earthly existence.
God‘s hand, God's sovereign hand, I believe, was truly there in Butler Pennsylvania eight days ago. God is not finished writing the story that is the life of President Donald Trump. God has a purpose for him to be alive. President Trump, himself, recognized the gracious and providential hand of God in the events of that day.
God spared His life, miraculously spared his life – I don’t think you can argue against that statement. But just as God still has something He wants from the life of our former president - God still has something for each and every one of us:
He still has plans for our lives.
He has things He wants us to do for Him.
He has a perfect will for our life that He still wants done.
Everything I just said is true or we would not be here today either.
Eight days ago, the events in Butler Pennsylvania got me thinking we need to ponder these truths as a church. We need to contemplate what we saw happen. But I think we need to look at it theologically.
We need to look at those events from a theological perspective and the main three theological themes that kept coming to my mind as I considered what happened there in Butler Pennsylvania, with the attempted assassination of President Trump and the death of the firefighter from Pennsylvania, the three theological things that kept coming to mind were:
the sovereignty and providential hand of God in the lives of men,
the depravity and the sinfulness of man, of how one man could desire to kill other men,
and the third theological thing that kept coming to my mind was the fragility of life. Our life is a vapor. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We are not guaranteed this evening, much less tomorrow.
In the book of Daniel, we read, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35). Here the Word of God declares God’s absolute sovereignty. He reigns supreme over all creation.
His decrees are unchallenged,
His purposes are unthwarted.
He is the Alpha and the Omega, orchestrating all things according to His divine will.

Submitting Our Priorities to God: (1) God, (2) Family, & (3) Church

The time comes in every Christian's life when we must make a pivotal decision: whom will we serve? Joshua's challenge to the Israelites resonates through the ages and into our very hearts today.
He declared in Joshua 24:15, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
The choice he presented was stark and clear-cut: serve the LORD or serve false gods. Today, the challenge remains the same, though the false gods may take different forms.
Are we going to serve the Lord, or are we going to serve ourselves and our priorities?
Are we going to serve evil and the devil, or are we going to serve the Lord?
Are we going to serve tradition or are we going to serve the Lord our God properly?

The Gospel & Babylon (Revelation 14:6-8)

In this message we turn our attention to Revelation 14:6-8, a passage that serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate sovereignty and justice. As we navigate through this prophetic vision, we are confronted with the reality of divine judgment and the urgency of the gospel message.
This section of Scripture, set within the larger context of the Tribulation, provides us with profound insights into God's righteous dealings with humanity and the fate of those who reject His grace.
The passage begins with the vision of three angels, each delivering a critical message to the inhabitants of the earth:
The first angel, flying in the midst of heaven, proclaims the everlasting gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6). This angelic herald emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel, calling all people to "fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come" (Revelation 14:7). This proclamation underscores the imminence of divine judgment and the need for repentance.
The second angel follows, announcing the fall of Babylon the Great, "that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Revelation 14:8). Babylon stands for the corrupt world system in rebellion against God, and its fall signifies the inevitable collapse of all that stands opposed to God's righteousness.

Exhortation, Fellowship & Grace (Hebrews 13:22-25)

The Book of Hebrews has consistently pointed us to the supremacy of Christ. We have seen Jesus Christ exalted above angels, above Moses, and above the Levitical priesthood. To put it simply: Christ is So Much Better!
We have been reminded that He is our great High Priest, who has entered once and for all into the holy place, obtaining eternal redemption for us. We have explored the themes of faith, perseverance, and the New Covenant, learning that our faith is anchored in the perfect work of Christ.
We have been warned against the dangers of drifting away, of hardening our hearts, and of falling into apostasy. Yet, we have also been encouraged by the "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds us, urging us to run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
As we come to the final verses of this magnificent letter, Hebrews 13:22-25, we find the writer's closing remarks—a heartfelt plea, a blessing, and final greetings.

The Great Shepherd, His Workers & His Power (Hebrews 13:17-21)

 While addressing the relationship between spiritual leaders and their congregations, this passage offers profound insights that are particularly relevant as we consider the role of fathers in our lives and the church's life.
This passage calls us to obedience and submission to those who lead us, for they watch over our souls with a sense of divine accountability. Fathers, too, are called to be shepherds in their households, guiding their children in the ways of the Lord with love and integrity.
Just as spiritual leaders are to watch over the flock of God, fathers are entrusted with the spiritual nurturing and protection of their families – that is the most important thing fathers can do, and that is our priority, this responsibility has priority over all other things for fathers.
The role of a father mirrors that of our heavenly Father—caring, guiding, disciplining, and loving unconditionally. This caring guiding, and loving is not based on how our children behave or how they behave toward us – fathers we are to do all this unconditionally.
Fathers, much like our spiritual leaders, are to lead by example, living out our faith in every aspect of life. We are to be men of good conscience, striving to live honestly and in a manner that glorifies God.

When Lies are Told About Us (Proverbs 12:19)

Welcome, today, we’re discussing a topic that many of us have faced—dealing with people who believe lies about us. We’ll explore how to respond, encourage ourselves in the Lord, and move on with peace and confidence.
It’s incredibly disheartening when people believe lies about you, especially when you’ve lived with integrity. Proverbs 12:19 reminds us, "The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment." The truth stands the test of time, while lies are fleeting.
In Proverbs 6:16-19 the Lord tells us just what He thinks about lies and the liars that tell them, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Jesus faced false accusations throughout His ministry. In I Peter 2:23, we read, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." Instead of retaliating, Jesus entrusted Himself to God. We, too, should refrain from responding in anger or seeking revenge.
Following Jesus' example in responding to false accusations and lies about us is a powerful testimony to our faith and character. Jesus faced numerous false accusations throughout His ministry, especially during His trial and crucifixion. Let's look at some key principles we can glean from His response, grounded in Scripture.
In the face of false accusations, Jesus often chose silence. In Matthew 26:62-63, during His trial before the high priest, we read, "And the high priest arose, and said unto Him, Answerest Thou nothing? what is it which these witness against Thee? But Jesus held His peace."
By holding His peace, Jesus demonstrated control and trust in God's ultimate justice. This echoes the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."
Link to Purchase book mentioned in this episode
 
 
 

Salvation, Sacrifice & Praise (Hebrews 13:10-16)

In this message we explore a profound and stirring passage from the book of Hebrews, one that calls us to reflect deeply on our salvation, our sacrifice, and our service to God. Hebrews 13:10-16 provides us with a rich tapestry of theological truths that not only illuminate the path of our redemption but also challenge us to live lives of faithful devotion and sacrificial service.
Our journey today will take us through three pivotal points:
Grace Not Works - Not Both (v.10): This verse draws a clear line between the old covenant of works and the new covenant of grace. It underscores the futility of attempting to earn God's favor through our deeds while emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
This point turns our attention to Ephesians 2:5 which says, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" This reminds us to remember our past condition—dead in sin—and the miraculous transformation through Christ who made us alive.
Our Second Point – The Sacrificial Type & Antitype (vs. 11-13): The sacrificial system of the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. He suffered outside the gate to sanctify us, calling us to bear His reproach and follow Him.
Our Third and Final Point - Service of the Saints: (vs. 14-16): Our earthly journey is temporary, but our service to God has eternal significance. We are called to offer continual praise and thanksgiving, to do good, and to share with others. These acts of service are the sacrifices that please God, reflecting our transformed lives and our commitment to His kingdom.
Let us be encouraged and emboldened to live out our faith with conviction, knowing that our salvation, our sacrifice, and our service are all rooted in the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God's Building (I Corinthians 3:1-11)

This message will explore four main points. First, we will delve into the idea of guarding against carnality, as emphasized in verses one through four. Next, we will reflect on the assurance that God gives the increase, beautifully outlined in verses five through seven.
We will then examine the concept of God rewarding our efforts, as highlighted in verses eight and nine. Lastly, we will uncover the importance of growing on the right foundation, as explored in verses ten and eleven.
So, let’s briefly as an introduction look at each of these points, and then we will dig into them as we move along in our message.
Point #1 - Guard Against Carnality vs. 1-4:
Here the Apostle Paul addresses a concerning issue within the Corinthian church—carnality. Here, he reminds the believers that their spiritual growth should move them beyond infancy.
It is a timely reminder for us as well, urging us to remain vigilant against allowing our spiritual journey to be constrained by worldly desires. We will explore the dangers of carnality and the steps we can take to guard against it.
Point #2 - God Gives the Increase vs. 5-7:
Here, Paul reminds us that while he may have planted seeds of faith, it is only through God's grace and power that true growth and increase occur. As we navigate our journey of faith, it is essential to relinquish control and trust that God will work in wondrous ways.
Point #3 - God Rewards Our Efforts vs. 8-9:
In these verses the Apostle Paul draws our attention to the importance of our efforts in building God's kingdom.
We learn that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and that each one of our contributions, however small they may seem, holds significance in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. God honors and rewards our faithfulness as we work diligently in His service.
And Point #4 - Grow on the Right Foundation vs. 10-11:
In the final portion of our passage, Paul highlights the necessity of building our spiritual lives on the right foundation. We must ensure that our foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.
In these next few moments, may the Holy Spirit guide us as we dive deeper into this passage, desiring to grow in our understanding, commitment, and purpose in God's glorious plan.

The Dragons War & Rage (Revelation 12:13-17)

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Click the link below for the book referenced in the introduction to this message on Revelation 13.
https://2020bible.pub/2024/04/06/rise-of-the-beast-a-study-of-revelation-chapter-13/
Here in Revelation 12 and our passage in the final verses of this chapter we are met with vivid imagery, symbolic language, and profound truths that unveil the ultimate plan of God for the culmination of human history.
In these verses, we witness a dramatic scene unfold before our eyes: the dragon, Satan himself, enraged and filled with fury, pursues the woman who had given birth to the male Child. This woman, representing the nation of Israel, is protected by God and flees into the wilderness, where she is nourished and kept safe for a time, times, and half a time.
This period represents the final three and a half years of the Tribulation, a time of unparalleled turmoil and persecution on the earth. During this time, the Dragon, knowing his time is short, unleashes his full wrath against the woman and her offspring, those who keep the commandments of God, and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
As we unpack these verses, we will see the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, the fierce opposition of the enemy, and the ultimate victory of God's people through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

Remember (Hebrews 13:7-9)

The Faith Foundations website mentioned in this message has foundational and doctrinal messages (audio and full notes). You can access it at the following link: Faith Foundations for the Church
This passage, encapsulated in the single word "Remember," serves as a poignant reminder of our duties, our doctrines, and our devotion to the Almighty.
First, we are called to: Remember Faithful Leaders (Hebrews 13:7). The writer of Hebrews urges us to recall those who have spoken the Word of God to us, whose faithfulness echoes through the corridors of time.
Their examples, their sacrifices, and their steadfastness in the face of adversity serve as beacons, guiding us in our own pilgrimage of faith.
Second, we are to: Remember Our Unchanging Savior (Hebrews 13:8). In a world of shifting sands and fleeting ideologies, our Lord Jesus Christ stands as the immutable Anchor of our souls. His unchanging nature is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer, offering us stability in a world of uncertainty.
Third, we are to: Remember Right Doctrine (Hebrews 13:9a). The writer warns against being led astray by diverse and strange teachings. We are called to hold fast to the sound doctrines passed down to us, doctrines that are rooted in the unchanging Word of God.
Lastly, we are to: Remember Grace (Hebrews 13:9b). It is by grace that we are saved, through faith, and not of ourselves. This grace is not a license to sin but a call to live in obedience to God's Word, empowered by His Spirit. So, let us heed the call to remember.
Let us remember the faithful leaders who have gone before us.
Let us remember the unchanging Savior who walks beside us.
Let us remember the right doctrines that guide us.
And let us remember the grace that sustains us.
May this remembrance be the foundation upon which we build our lives, to the glory of our God. Imagine you are on a hiking trail in beautiful East Tennessee, surrounded by dense forest (which I hope to be on such a trail in a couple of weeks).
And as you walk, you notice that the path splits into two. One trail is well-worn, with clear signs pointing the way, while the other is overgrown and barely visible.
The well-worn path represents the teachings and examples of faithful leaders who have gone before us. These leaders have faithfully proclaimed the Word of God, guiding us on the right path. Their lives serve as signposts, pointing us toward Christ and His unchanging truth.
On the other hand, the overgrown path symbolizes the diverse and strange doctrines that seek to lead us astray. These teachings may seem new, different, and appealing at first glance, promising easy answers or worldly wisdom. However, they ultimately lead to confusion, spiritual danger, and death.
As we navigate through life, we are faced with these two paths. The challenge is to Remember the example of those who have faithfully taught and lived out the Word of God while rejecting the false teachings that seek to divert us from the truth.
Hebrews 13:7-9 reminds us to remember these faithful leaders and to be wary of strange doctrines. Let us stay on the path of truth, firmly grounded in the unchanging grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.